We had two attacks enabled by storm damage which left us with recoverable losses from both attacks and some literally scared to death. The second was a theft of animals from the farm during which they left gates open and then unrecoverable loss of breeding groups.

We are now re-evaluating and assessing damage and how we can look to the future and rebuild the farm infrastructure and then the flock. We have both been saddened by the loss and feel very down heartened that we have been set back to where we started in 2006.

However, only PCGB rings are permitted on show birds and any other form of identifier, other than wing tags or tattoo, will result in the judge passing the bird.  This is an important consideration for those who show but still need to identify their turkey.

PCGB rings also give another level of credibility, and particularly so when buying and selling stock.  Also, given the issues over recent years it seems only a matter of time before all birds will need to be close rung anyway.  So undertaking ringing sooner rather than later seems good practice to me.  The PCGB website has all the details.

The hens started well and fertility has been fine, but they just haven’t laid as consistently or for as long as in other years.  With very few exceptions it would seem this has been a common trend with other turkey keeper we have spoken to.  I suspect we will find the occasional egg as we do the rounds but I doubt that any will lay in sufficient numbers to be able to sell hatching again until next year.

Hot sunny days can certainly be a problem for poultry, and remember hot sultry nights in the hen house can be equally as difficult.

Shade is essential, and during the day your poultry must have somewhere they can get out of the direct sun.

Dust baths will certainly help keep your poultry cool, and do add diatomaceous earth as this will deter red mite that thrives in hot weather.

Clean, fresh water is an essential provision at any time, but more so in hot weather when they drink more.

Frozen ‘ice packs’ in drinkers will help keep their water cool.

Cool fruit such as watermelon is beneficial, and some turkey keepers use frozen sweetcorn or peas.

Adequate air flow within the coop itself is essential on hot nights, but be careful not to compromise security when improving ventilation.