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…
Cool Turkeys We have had a number of calls from turkey keepers concerned about heat stress in their turkey flock, and with the recent ‘very hot days’ it can be a problem. But do remember it is the hot sultry nights in the hen house that can cause most problems, and particularly so if it is overstocked and unventilated. Below are just a few simple…
I was asked a couple of days ago if turkey eggs were good to eat, and it was great to chat with someone about the delights of cooking with one of nature’s most perfectly packaged foods. Brenda regularly uses them in her baking and this suits me and my sweet tooth just fine. Of course, they make the most delicious scrambled eggs…
This was the show where the RBST and TCUK, supported by the PCGB, launched the turkey project. Given the number of people who stopped to chat about the turkeys and project I think it safe to say it was a successful launch. We took 10 turkeys from 8 varieties and they soon settled in to the three excellent pens RBST…
As you know to encourage or turkeys to lay more eggs we collect them twice daily, and these we either incubate ourselves, sell on as fertile eggs to other enthusiasts, or they go for the table. Then at the end of the season, we positively encourage our girls to sit a clutch for themselves and undertake the rearing process as…
We have just spent the morning cleaning out the hatchery and broody cages. It is a bit of a mundane chore, but also a great opportunity to have a really close look at just how well the little ones are doing, and we are delighted to say they are going along just fine…. Of particular note, the majority of our Norfolk Black…
As you know both TCUK and RBST, with PCGB support, have combined forces to undertake a number projects this year. The intention is to raise awareness about traditional heritage varieties of turkey, with any funds raised going toward key projects to help secure them for future generations. As part of that project, we were invited to join the RBST tent…
Travelling Turkeys Earlier this week I received an email from the Azores with regard to some Bourbon Red turkey eggs we had sent. Well, we get enquiries from all over the world so I wasn’t initially thrown by the location, but I just couldn’t remember having sent anything to the Azores. A little backtracking soon threw some light upon events. …
Buff Turkeys As many will know we are passionate about the Buff turkey and getting them back to where their future is more secure. Sadly recent years had seen a significant decline in Buff numbers, and the available stock just wasn’t breeding true. However, success with our Buffs last year enabled us to release two good stags a few months ago to two turkey keepers. …