Today was our annual turkey butchering day. We started in June with 10 heritage turkeys, six of which died. We added five generic white turkeys from Atwood's, so we ended this fall with nine turkeys. Two hens and a Tom are being overwintered in the hopes of hatching eggs next spring.
Six turkeys met the chopping block as well as our new chicken plucker. We once borrowed a plucker and otherwise have always plucked by hand. Oh, the agony. Last year, James was ready to give up on butchering because of the plucking. This year, we had six turkeys cleaned and bagged in less than two hours (with three helpers). In addition, five roosters, some belonging to friends, were cleaned.
I'm happy to say the coops are quieter and my chores are shortening up for the winter season. The turkeys, free rangers, were defecating all over the sidewalk, spying on me (Momma turkey) from the front windows, pecking at siding, and otherwise becoming a neighborhood nuisance, so everyone will appreciate a quieter flock.
Until next time, remember, this is not paradise. It's Purgatory Ranch.
You are all amazing! Happy eating. :)
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