Back in July, we placed our first order of birds from a breeder we found on Craigslist. Literally, days after moving in. \u00a0We also acquired a free rooster a few days after moving in to integrate with our flock we kept in the city, from Craigslist (we were extremely motivated to get our farm up and running, haha! ) We ordered more chicks (straight run Marans, which means whatever is picked is what we get, gender-wise. \u00a0I figured this would be a great way to get ready for raising meat birds next spring by butchering the extra roosters. \u00a0I did a little tiny bit of research into what breed of chicken we wanted and I went with Marans because they seemed to be a good multi-purpose bird), turkeys (bourbon reds – we wanted a heritage breed so they could breed on their own (commercially bred birds cannot naturally breed and are bred with artificial insemination) and my husband really, REALLY wanted a tom as a pet so I wanted a breed that would be able to live longer and had less chance of leg and heart issues. \u00a0This does mean they mature slower and it can take 9-18 months before you butcher them. \u00a0But a better quality of life and natural breeding ability to be worth it – and I am told their meat is superior to the turkeys found in the grocery store) and guineas (tick control, alarm system, and general entertainment). \u00a035 more birds. \u00a0Thinking back, summer time is not my favorite time to brood chicks. \u00a0While we can put them outside quicker and use the heat lamp less, it also means we may not see them laying until spring now that winter has come and the days are shorter. \u00a0We do not use artificial light in our coop because we feel the winter is Gods natural break to keep our flock laying healthy through the rest of the year. \u00a0I’ve heard by not lighting the coop, it can extend the length of time they lay eggs during their life. \u00a0And, it’s a fire hazard. \u00a0So, we leave artificial light well enough alone aside from a light we only use when we are in there after dark. \u00a0We don’t heat the coop either – the flock is acclimated and ready for the cold. \u00a0Last year when the actual temps dropped below zero and windchills were -40 they did just fine.<\/p>\n
Part of our bird order included 5 turkeys. \u00a0The breeder told us we most likely wouldn’t know male from female until they were nearly mature. \u00a0Apparently its impossible to sex them so early. \u00a0That was fine with us. \u00a0Well, we have finally reached the point where we can tell male from female. \u00a0This is what we saw:<\/p>\n\n\t\t