» Turkeys

Turkeys Fly the Coop, Literally

Annette Johnston — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:13:53 +0000

Yesterday, I came home from work and all 7 of my beautiful turkeys were gone, and no sign of them anywhere on my property. The gate was still closed, so either they were turkey-napped, or they flew up over the gate. It was dark by then, so I had to search for them by flashlight. I walked up and down the road, searching ditches and neighbors’ yards, after I determined they were not in my yard. No luck.

This morning, I searched again by truck this time, with my trusty broom and their feed rattling in a large container. Sure enough, those Houdinis were in a nearby soybean field, clustered together, waiting for me to show up with food. I called to them and they actually started toward me, but then they scattered. I had all kinds of fun, herding them back to my house. I just hope they are still there when I get home tonight!

New Turkey Chicks Arrive

Annette Johnston — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:31:14 +0000

I just received 8 adorable, tiny turkey chicks, and am raising them in my garage. They sure are cute. Soon Frolic Farm will be visited by two fourth grade classes, and I’m sure they’ll enjoy seeing the turkey chicks too. I have two classes from Lakeport Elementary School out to the farm every year. The kids do reports on the different types of critters, and then get to visit them in person. It’s a lot of fun for the kids and me too. I always have a few surprises in store for them.

All the critters are fine. They love the green grass after a winter of eating hay. The new cat, Sylvester, has adjusted well and is catching mice in the barn.

Happy Memorial Day to you all!

Turkeys for Thanksgiving

Annette Johnston — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:51:01 +0000

Well, the turkeys went to the processor, and I picked them up in bags yesterday. Kind of sad, but that’s farm life for you. The 4 tom turkeys were huge, nearly 40 lbs for the largest, and the others were 36, 37, and 38 lbs. The little hen turkey was only 21 lbs, so I guess the boys were keeping her away from the food.

All the other critters are fine. I will give them special feed on Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the holiday!

Winter Hits Frolic Farm Early This Year

Annette Johnston — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:32:30 +0000

Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving, so it’s time to take my 5 lovely (and giant) turkeys for processing. They won’t feel a thing, but it does make me sad. I sold them all, so at least I don’t have to eat one this year.

It’s been very cold already, and I have to break ice in the outdoor water buckets. The hens have cut back on their egg-laying. Little Liam (Icelandic sheep) has such a thick coat already, that I’m sure he doesn’t feel the cold at all. The pond is frozen over, so I have to carry water to the geese. I’m feeding extra hay now to keep everyone happy.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Cute Baby Turkeys in my Garage

Annette Johnston — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:27:31 +0000

Several little turkey chicks arrived at Frolic Farm, and I am raising them in a box in my garage. They have their special turkey feed, grit for digestion, a small waterer, and a hot light they can stay under when they feel cold. They sure are cute, and active too. It is a challenge to change their papers twice a day, with them trying to fly out as soon as I lift the wire mesh cover. It is hard to believe that by November, they will weigh about 30-40 lbs each. When the weather is warmer, I will move them to their turkey palace by the barn, but will still give them a light to keep any chill away.

Its’s Been a Busy Winter at Frolic Farm

Annette Johnston — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:44:34 +0000

Boy, are we all glad spring seems to have sprung, finally! It was a long, hard winter, and very busy for me too. I am back in the saddle, so to speak, and will resume regular postings. Be sure to send me your comments.

Some sad news to report, one of the pheasants died last month. He was very old, though, so it wasn’t totally unexpected. He was a very beautiful Lady Amherst, and I do hope to be able to replace him.

I have ordered 8 new turkey chicks for delivery in late April. I raise these for sale at Thanksgiving. I try not to get too attached to them, so I don’t name the turkeys anymore. Otherwise, it gets too sad when I deliver them for processing. These are the beautiful American Bronze turkeys, a heritage breed. I raise them organically, and semi-free range. I start them in a box in my garage, with a hot light on them to keep any chill off them. Once they don’t need the light anymore, they graduate to a pen on the floor. After a couple more weeks, they will live in their own turkey palace in front of my main barn, and have a small yard they can run in. Sometimes I let them run loose in my backyard, when I am home and can watch for any problems. I enjoy the turkeys while they are growing up. They are friendly, nice birds.

Talk to you again soon! Enjoy our spring weather.