The Roost

Finding the perfect roost for my turkeys was a challenge because, quite honestly, I didn't know what I was seeking. My husband took a partial cattle panel out to the coop and propped it against the wall when the poults were small. They hated it. The wires were too small or they couldn't figure out how to use it.

When my husband was out of town, I decided to remove his work and find a real solution. You can't let your birds free range unless they roost in your coop. Turkeys that don't roost in the coop won't return to the coop at night, so they will be unprotected. They are also difficult to catch when needed. So, I put roosting turkeys on the top of the list.

I hung a pole from the roof like a giant trapeze. Too swingy, I guess. They didn't like it. I, then searched high and low for something that I thought a turkey would like.

Finally, I called a man who is dedicated turkey hunter and asked about favorite roosts of wild turkeys.

"In the tops of pine trees on branches about three inches in diameter," he said.

K and I started searching for 3" branches and I just happened to have a few perfect ones in our Katrina cedar pile. They were there all along, I just didn't know what I needed. As soon as the limbs were installed, the turkeys started investigating - playing if you believe animals play.

That night every poult roosted.

Bourbon Reds

Our ten Bourbon Red heritage turkeys arrived yesterday from Ideal Poultry, packed with ten miscellaneous chicks to prevent jostling and to provide warmth.

Cute, cute, cute!

They are warming under their electricity sucking heat lamp in their brand new turkey house. Isn't it funny how you think you are ready for something - facility perfect, food and watering ready - and then when the post office calls at 7:30, you have to run around like a maniac stringing extension cords for the lamp that needs a new bulb, build a retaining wall to keep the now tiny chicks from leaving the facility that you thought was perfect. When the chicks arrive is when you notice the crack in the door seating that will most certainly allow varmint entrance. Now is the time you realize that a dividing wall is completely necessary, not just optional. Now is the time you realize the waterers that you use only when you have bitties are cracked and won't hold water.

Now is the time you realize you weren't as organized and on top of things as you gave yourself credit for being. Now is the time to panic.

But, aren't they cute and won't they be delicious in November?

We will eat all of these birds except for one breeding pair. Hopefully, a turkey can be the mama next year.