It’s that time again when we start planning our Christmas Dinner. Since we had ham for Thanksgiving, we will be doing a turkey for Christmas. Along with Cranberry Sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cushaw bread, and pumpkin pie. Everything but the Cranberry Sauce and the stuffing will be made from scratch, including our turkey that Nathan just got in our back yard Friday morning!
He’s a beauty too!
Easily a 20 pound bird! Nathan was off work last week, and spent three of the coldest mornings out in the field. The first day, the birds came in behind him, and he didn’t see them. The second day, he didn’t see them at all. So, he decided he was going to set up a separate blind, and see what that would bring. As you can see, it brought him his prize! Now, Nathan is NOT one to send any text messages on his phone, but he was so excited he just had to text me at work! He wants to take the tail, wings and beard and get them mounted. Which is fine with me, but I have no idea where he will put them once they are mounted. I’m sure he will figure something out though.
We also got 4 more hens over the week he was home. But I didn’t get my coop extended yet. So, it is a little tricky introducing the two flocks. I have had the new chickens inside a large dog crate for the past couple of days, so the two flocks could get introduced. Today, I let my original flock out of the coop, and opened the crate up so the ones in there could get some roaming time. The trick will come tonight when it is time to put the originals up for the night. I’m debating about leaving them out for the night. But then I have to worry about them finding another laying spot. And I just got them trained to go back into the coop during the day and using the nesting boxes inside the house. So, we will see how things go tonight.
The days have been gorgeous around here, and the nights are cold. We have had a couple of nights down in the 20′s this past week. The horses have their full winter coats in and are looking good as we head into winter. The dogs are back in the house at night. Grayson’s hip is giving some trouble this season. I only hope it does not get any worse then what I have seen so far. He’s getting ibuprofen at night to help relieve the pain.
That’s a great post and a beautiful turkey. I got all excited when I first saw it because I though I had found someone who is raising his own turkeys, which is something I’ve wanted to do for some time. I’ve grown plenty of chickens but never a turkey.
BTW, I also enjoyed your “homesteader or farmer” post.
Thanks for stopping by Tony. While we do not raise our own turkeys (not yet anyways), we do have plenty of wild ones to keep us happy for Christmas Dinner for years to come. However, if you have any questions on raising them, just ask. I have two neighbors who raise them, and I can always get the answers for you.
What a great blog! Hopping over from SITS. Look forward to our month together. I have much to learn.
Thanks for stopping by Alene! I look forward to getting to know you as well!