The turkeys are starting to lay more regularly and we are collecting eggs and incubating them. The next stage is candling to see if the eggs we set are fertile, and then it’s another wait to see that they are hatching well. At a few months old the poults have sufficient feathering for us to get an idea as to whether the pairings have gone well and the results are…
It is great to say that the Harvey Speckled turkey has just been ratified by the Poultry Club of Great Britain. The Harvey Speckled history is complex and controversial, and it has been a long journey getting these delightful turkeys to this stage. However, with an agreed standard to work to it is now that the hard work really begins if…
We are often asked if we send eggs through the post, and the answer is a definite yes. However, there are a few things that you need to know before you place a ‘postal’ order with us. Firstly we only sell eggs when we have hatched sufficient poults to maintain our breeding programs or fulfil our orders. Only then are…
Our early orders for 2016 have been excellent with requests across the range from adult birds, to poults and eggs. Recent years have shown a steady increase in enquiries about turkey keeping, and this has followed through to sales. However, this year, as in previous years, it is likely that demand for our Heritage Turkeys will exceed supply. So, if you are considering becoming…
We are often asked what we look for when breeding our turkeys. Although essentially a simple question there is an element that we consider which is often forgotten. It goes without saying that only fit and healthy birds should be selected for breeding, anything other than that and you are heading for trouble. Of course, we breed to the ‘show…
Our first Goose egg arrived today which is well timed given our order book for goslings. With the warmer weather forecast, it may encourage them to continue and lay regularly
With the turkeys now showing strong signs of mating, it is important to remember the necessity for segregation if you want to effectively manage your breeding groups. You really must put your breeding groups together early and keep them segregated. By early I mean before treading actually begins. If you wait until you see dislodged feathers in a pen before you…
First egg of the year goes to the Buff Turkeys which is brilliant given their low numbers and that they are so at risk. Sadly the egg was laid in the mud and well kicked around before we found it. However, it was an optimistic event nonetheless and given the parading and posturing in all the pens the start of the…
Heritage Turkeys are pleased to be hosting the first Turkey Club UK open day! starts at 11.00 until 4 pm 19 September 2015 Food, Quiz, wonder around the Turkeys, talk to Judges or chat to like-minded Turkey Keepers! enter Heritage Turkeys in Google for location and map.
Occasionally we see adders at Dodpen and so we are always mindful when working in the fields and around the garden area. But today we found a beautifully marked adult adder basking close to the house. An absolutely stunning animal and given its very crisp well defined polished pattern I think the adder had recently sloughed. We carefully removed it…