[Andrew]

It has been very interesting reading comments about how everyone has got on with the turkeys which CSSA hatched. This year we hatched a mix of Bronze, Blacks and Whites. I am getting organised for next year and would like to know if I should do the same again or is there a preference for any type.

[Womble]

Hi Andrew,

The big surprise for me this year was that the white ones ended up noticably smaller than the bronze. Also, we fed ours ad-lib pellets, and I think they reached full weight sometime in November!!  The bronze hens (we only have girls unfortunately) have ended up at 6kg ish dressed, and the white just over 5kg. The bronze are much harder to pluck though, given all the dark fluffy bits!

I'm not sure yet if we'll have any next year (Mrs Womble says yes, but then it's not her who has to do the difficult bit at the end!!). However, if we did, I think I'd go for bronze, basically just because they're prettier, heavier, and when sold still seem to command a premium.

Thanks again for organizing - we're looking forward to our Christmas dinner now!!

[HappyHippy]

The sole survivor from my 3 (BAD dog Boris !  ) was a bronze (the white ones must be tasty  )
It went to live with Lil's turkeys - til yesterday 
Dressed out at 4.3Kg and I didn't find it too bad to pluck (gutting was a different matter  ) but compared to some of Lil's it was teeny tiny - the biggest one I plucked over there was over 14Kg dressed  not sure of the breed, but they were all white 

[Andrew]

I did see the video from yesterday on FB. Think it qualifies as a video nasty but should be tasty. hope you all enjoy Christmas.

[doganjo]

I just couldn't resist taking that video - the faces she pulled even before she started were nasty!   I helped a wee bit with plucking the HUGE white ones and my dogs got the reward - 3 hearts between four of them.  But I'm not on for doing the 'deed' myself so won't need any, Andrew!  Perhaps you could remind us all what the deal is please - cost of day-olds, and cost of raising by you if necessary afterwards, cost of feed, amount required, approximately when the day olds would be ready etc.  I think more TAS and CSSA members might take them if they knew that in advance

[bigchicken]

Andrew I am very pleased with the turkeys I got and will be doing it all over again next year put me down for a dozen cheers

[doganjo]

Andrew I am very pleased with the turkeys I got and will be doing it all over again next year put me down for a dozen cheers

What colours?

[bigchicken]

I had white and bronze and will have the same again I found no difference between the two.

[Andrew]

I am inclined to get the same varieties as this year going by replies I have had already. I usually have poults in May/June and if needed will have a further hatch in July. Cost wise this year they were £5 each at day old and £1 per week per bird to keep them till off heat at about 5-6 weeks. I can get Turkey crumbs for feed at about £12 for 25kg

[doganjo]

Thanks, Andrew - will put this on Facebook page and add to CSSA email.