Many small flock owners have considered adding a turkey or two to their home flocks, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. Turkeys are companionable, friendly birds who convert feed to meat more efficiently than any other variety of poultry — meat that coincidentally has lower fat content than either chicken or duck. Moreover, because they’re typically only temporary residents, turkeys have less need for permanent housing and no long-term feed costs. Plus, there’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing what went into the bird you put on the table: fresh air, sunshine, freedom and the best of care.
So why don’t more small-flock owners make the leap into turkeys? I’ll explain in one word: processing. While all poultry parents eventually find themselves having to dispatch the occasional sick or elderly bird, taking a turkey from live bird to basting dish is another matter. Professional meat processors will only deal with large quantities of birds, so raising two or three turkeys for your family’s use means learning to process them at home. The good news is there’s an easy way to do it.
ZERO PLUCKS GIVEN
If the biggest obstacle to raising turkeys is home processing, the biggest obstacle in home processing is plucking. Plucking machines cost $1,000 or more, and most can’t handle a 40-pound tom, but hand-plucking full-grown turkeys is time-consuming and physically demanding. There is another way: skinning.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March - April 2024 من Hobby Farms.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March - April 2024 من Hobby Farms.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Meet Holly Callahan-Kasmala & Chrisie DiCarlo
In Maryland, best friends of 40-plus years share a passion for good food, laughter and, most of all, poultry.
HISTORIC Hogs
The Hereford breed has a bright future.
ON TRACK
Animal activity trackers, also known as pet location trackers, let you keep an eye on your pets or livestock from your phone or computer.
ELECTRIC BORDERS
Here's what you need to know before you buy a portable electric fence.
beyond TRADITION
Raise these alternative animals on your hobby farm.
Sheep HOOF CARE
The key to good sheep hoof care is keeping an eye out for problems and moving to prevent serious issues.
Santa Carota BEEF
For 35 years, the Pettit family has been upcycling waste carrots for cattle feed, challenging traditional ranching practices while producing exquisite beef.
Metabolic Disorders in Cattle
Manage these body conditions in your herd with diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Midsummer Garden
Keep those vegetables growing late into the year with these planting options and advice.
Microclimate Trouble Spots
Spend enough time gardening in one place and you can get to know it well.