It is with much sadness we pass on the awful news that Pam Drake died today. A passionate breeder of Norfolk Black turkeys she achieved a great deal in bringing them back to their original standard. Her passion, patience and understanding as a Norfolk Black breeder ensure that she leaves behind a tremendous legacy. Before she passed Pam was able…
Well this year, and unusually, it is a Narragansett that lays the first turkey egg of the season. Compared to most years this season is a little later for us than usual, but it has begun. Let’s hope it is a good one for all and that we can put the events of lockdown behind us.. Brenda has just bought…
It is that time of year again when the final preparation takes place before the breeding season is upon us. Well, I say final preparation, but there is always something that needs to be undertaken in a hurry as the eggs begin to gather and settle before going into the incubators. Today, to take benefit of the weather Brenda power washed…
Well a day later than last year, but the West of England Geese have laid their first egg of the season. Given the interest in these delightful geese, I hope there are plenty more as the demand is high. They are going to be busy keeping up with the demand.
The Sunday Times carried an interesting article today that identify Prince Charles plans to include traditional heritage turkeys as part of the rare breed livestock to be kept at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, the property he bought for the nation in 2007. Prince Charles, along with other key organisations and individuals such as Jimmy Doherty and Tom Beeston from RBST,…
As you can imagine we regularly take calls from people asking us what we do here. This then leads on to an interesting chat about our traditional turkeys, their history and the breeding projects. To support our conversation we point them towards a short video we made for the Countryfile Easter Diaries that went out in May 2016. Ok, most of the birds were bedraggled from breeding,…
It was an absolute joy going around the turkeys yesterday morning and seeing just how they are all progressing. This years poults have done really well, and the promise they originally showed early in the season seems to be coming to fruition. I like to see another full moult before I am totally convinced and satisfied, but they are doing well…
Turkey Keeper Courses As many of you will know earlier in the year we ran a ‘training event’ as part of the TCUK, RBST and PCGB projects. The feedback from the event has been excellent and this, coupled with the regular requests we get at Heritage Turkeys, has encouraged us to offer regular courses. The courses will cover everything from…
RBST, TCUK and PCGB Training Day As you are aware RBST, TCUK and PCGB joined together earlier this year to improve awareness and status of traditional varieties of turkey within the UK. As part of the project we at Heritage Turkeys were delighted to be asked to run a ‘training day’ for prospective ‘turkey keepers’ who had shown an interest.…
As some will know earlier this year our beloved cocker spaniel Poppy died, and the place just hasn’t been the same without a wet nose, muddy feet, dog hair and loyal companion around. So, after much debate and searching, we decided to look for another dog. Eventually, we settled on Tor a 14-month-old working Clumber Spaniel. Although an…