How about something pleasant: Our Midget White Turkey

Groesbeck Hurricane · 07-06-2010, 06:56 AM

Yep, I need to get photos...

We have a midget white hen (Midge), some bronze hens, some white hens and a bronze tom who does not know what to do. Borrowed a turkey from down the road and we received fertile eggs.

Midge diligently sat on all the fertile eggs. 30 days taking up one of our horse stalls. She hatched out 50% of the eggs.

Fun part: She seperated out her chicks from the bronze hen's chicks! They are a different color. Just as a test, we provided chicks who were her breed. No dice!

So for the next 30 or so days Midge is occupying a horse stall with her chicks that she hatched. She talks to them, warms them at night, moves them to the daylight, and makes sure they hit the food and water! I think they are the happiest chicks we have and Midge is DEFINATELY our happiest turkey!

Can't wait until she has raised them enough. Silly bird will fly across the barnyard when she sees us so she can be petted. Kind of missed that these past few weeks.

Nope, she is NOT for sale. Doubt her chicks will be either, unless they are toms. She is a year old last month and we saved her from the Thanksgiving table. Actually, my sister and b-in-law who are vegetarian stayed with us last year so we took her home alive instead of dressed out for Thanksgiving. Best decision we could have made!

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-06-2010, 07:59 AM

I just wanted to add photos! Midge and one female Midget White/Bourbon Red cross that Midge hatched and has raised.

Midge has taught these fellows to fly onto something high. She has also taught most of the turkeys in the other stall to go into something high at night. It has been a real hoot going out and seeing them at night!

Everytime I have a camera the dog is not letting the chickens ride on her. Most of the time she has a chicken that she gives doggie back rides to. We also have a six week old Tom (another Midget White) who will occassionally strut around like a big turkey. Have not caught that on film but need to! He is funny!

So, they have been occupying the horse stall since the end of May now. She goes out on occassion but generally just stays with HER babies! She will even attack the dog (Belgian Groenendahl) if she gets too close. Funny that! Dog knows better than to correct the bird.

enzo1 · 08-06-2010, 09:38 AM

COOL story, may not be able to eat turkey for awhile

dtw · 08-06-2010, 09:52 AM

Midge looks like a happy mother. Thanks for sharing, that's a fun read.

Rusty Heap · Rusty Heap's Garage

oh yeah!!!

turkey basting.....coming soon to kitchens everywhere in November!

vash · vash's Garage

meh..rookie with the disposable roasting pan...

midge is cool! she has a tiny beard!

Gogar · 08-06-2010, 10:16 AM

She looks delicious!

Groesbeck Hurricane · 08-06-2010, 10:38 AM

Yep, turn the turkeys upside down so the meat does not dry out in cooking.

And her beard is still growing longer. We did not expect to find one on her at all.

Yes, Midget White Turkeys are some of the tastiest you can find!!! Narangasett and Bourbon Reds round out the top three! I strongly suggest finding a local growing and getting one for the holidays!

Our little tom dressed out at over 33 pounds. He fed a group of 12 and we all took some home! He was a double-reasted Bronze.

I believe we will be doing as in the photo this Christmas but none of us have that kind of lung power...