The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: sanman on December 19, 2009, 08:51:54 pm

Title: Turkey Day
Post by: sanman on December 19, 2009, 08:51:54 pm

Well yesterday we slaughtered our turkeys!!  We borrowed a cone from the ever helpful Swillington Organic Farm.

Although not an enjoyable experience I must admit to a sense of great satsifaction, that birds we raised from day old chicks had a great life and a stress free death.

We set everything up in our field shelter and the turkeys being such inquisitive birds literally lined up to be 'done'.

Myself and another member who have slaugtered poultry before were in charge of dispatching the birds and even if I say so myself we did an excellent job. It was quick and stress free.

Every member who has a turkey plucked their own bird.  I've advised everyone to hang them until the 23rd before they draw them.

I'm looking forward to recreating the recipe that Hugh cooked for us when he came, details of which can be found

 http://www.channel4.com/services/videoplayer/popup.jsp?name=rc_winter_turkey_a

Happy Christmas everyone!!

Regards Mark

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sheila on December 20, 2009, 02:14:51 pm

Mark, what a wonderful idea. I shall do it next year.I haven't bothered this year about Turkey as I am off to Australia for two months. I hope you will let me pick your brains when I come back? When is the best time to by the young (or eggs) to fatten up for Christmas?
best wishes to you all
sheila xx

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sanman on December 20, 2009, 03:34:09 pm

Hi Sheila

You can normally purchase the day old chicks from July onwards.
We've really enjoyed having the turkeys as its so unusual to see them free range.  They are the most stupid birds but not without charm.

Next year we are going to have geese as well so people can have a choice or both if they wish.  I've plucked about 8 birds now and with that and carrying them backwards and forwards I can hardly lift my arms above shoulder height :o  Who needs the gym  ;D ;D

Merr Christmas to all!!

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: The Relic on December 20, 2009, 06:24:38 pm

just wondering how long will turkey keep in the fridge. he was killed, plucked, gutted on friday. is he ok in the fridge or should i freeze em. cooking on thursday.

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sanman on December 20, 2009, 06:48:39 pm

It'll be fine in the fridge until Thursday or Friday.

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: The Relic on December 20, 2009, 08:39:35 pm

sound mate

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: dixie on December 21, 2009, 12:59:24 pm

Well done sanman, we did ours on Saturday too! a real sense of satisfaction raising them from day olds, letting them have a proper free range life ;D   Daft as a brush arent they!! I will miss that lovely chirrup sound they make!

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sanman on December 21, 2009, 03:13:22 pm

Hi Dixie

Yep they are really stupid, but do have charm.  Its really satisfying isn't it?

We will definately have them again next year.

Cheers Mark

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: shetlandpaul on December 22, 2009, 07:32:53 pm

just done ours 17.5 and 16.5 lbs very pleased with the smaller one has it had delayed development due to a bad foot.

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sam.t on December 23, 2009, 03:17:04 pm

we also did ours yesterday smallest 20.5lbs largest 2 weighed 42lbs and 42.5lbs got them at 6weeks old in august did 7 altogether
sam

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: shetlandpaul on December 23, 2009, 04:29:53 pm

what were the big ones.

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: sam.t on December 24, 2009, 06:54:26 am

 the larger ones were white ones the smaller 2 were bronze

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: izard on December 10, 2014, 01:47:03 pm

hello,

u said hugh visited you? was it on one of his shows?

Title: Re: Turkey Day
Post by: Eve on December 10, 2014, 07:52:52 pm

Sanman, what size was the cone, please?