Coming Soon!

Preview of Woodville Ace Chicken Season 2018

Chicks have been ordered. Our first shipment will arrive January 25, 2018. We will receive weekly shipments of chicks till the first of June. Other poultry will become available around March or April.

Our main hatchery is Mt. Healthy in Cincinnati Ohio. Shipping takes 1-2 days depending on weather, normally arrive on Thursday morning. All shipments come in US postal service and we pick them up at the post office the morning of delivery.

Common chicks we order are PULLETS, meaning that they are 90% female. Special or rare chick breeds come as STRAIGHT RUN, which means they are 50/50 male to female and not sexed at the hatchery.

At Woodville Ace we DO NOT have the skills to sex chicks, your guess is as good as mine!

We have no return, no refund policy on all poultry, once you walk out the door with them they are yours, if they expire we do not replace them.  

Sex-link chicks are your best bet if you are looking for females. Because they are a hybrid breed that males are one color and females are another when hatched.

Ducks, guinea, turkey, geese, silkies, bantams, and all other poultry we purchase from the hatchery will be straight run.

To the left of this post, you will find our policies and procedures for special orders and such. I will soon be posting “what is coming in” or you can call me for special request or fill out a form in store.

We are very excited to help you begin your first flock, or add to an existing flock. We have everything you need for making brooders to ready to use incubators, if you want to start your own. We have hutches and coops, feeders and waters. We also have feeds and treats for all your flock needs.

You can ask for me, “The Chicken Lady”, I will help with your chicken questions.  Watch for some chick specials and events coming up in the store over the next few months. I will be reposting some previous articles and keep you up dated.

Thank You very much for reading our blog and being a part of our Woodville Ace community,

Anice Taylor-Maloy

Woodville Ace Hardware

850-421-9000

Protect Your Chickens

How to Protect Your Chickens with a DIY Electric Dog Fence

 

poultryOne.com  Daily Care, Gardens and Misc 0

Backyard chickens are vulnerable to many different predators, and when you also have pet dogs, the threat can come from even closer to home. Raising chickens in the same area that your pet dogs roam can be a dangerous combination, and it may be necessary to separate your flock. Dogs, especially those with hunting instincts, may want to prey on your chickens. Even dogs who are just trying to “play” can accidentally injure or kill your chickens and disrupt their egg laying patterns by creating a stressful environment for the flock.

In order to separate your flock from your pet dogs – without chaining, leashing, or caging your dogs – some type of fencing is required. A traditional wood, PVC, or chain link fence is a simple option, but a DIY electric fence is another alternative that you might want to consider.

On top of your own dogs neighborhood dogs present a significant threat to your livestock. If you have been struggling with a an uncontained dog you may want to educate your neighbor about the advantages and affordability of installing an electric dog fence which often runs at a fraction of the cost of a professionally installed invisible fence.

Let’s explore some of the pros, cons, and methods of using an electronic dog fence to protect your backyard chickens.

Advantages of Using an Electronic Dog Fence

One of the main reasons people choose an electric dog fence is that it’s more reliable than a traditional fence. If your dogs enjoy digging, they can easily dig underneath a traditional fence and enter the chicken run. When your dogs are particularly determined, they may also be able to jump over or break through a traditional fence to get to your chickens. With an e-collar and electric dog fence, your dogs will be simply unable to cross the boundary wire.

Another significant advantage of an electric dog fence is the cost. Traditional fences are expensive, and the total DIY invisible fence cost will be about 80% less. You can enclose an average size yard for less than $300 total, and the installation is simple enough for anyone to complete as a weekend project. Because an underground dog fence is not exposed to the elements and e-collars often use rechargeable batteries, there are little to no associated maintenance costs over the years.

Disadvantages of Using an Electronic Dog Fence

The main disadvantage associated with underground dog fences is that they alone do not stop outside predators or your chickens from crossing the boundaries. If outside predators are a concern for you, you may need to install a traditional fence. Traditional fences and electric fences, however, can be used in tandem to offer the most protection for your flock. An electric fence will not prevent your chickens from leaving their run, but this is not always a major concern considering your chickens probably like to stay close to home and will not venture into areas where they feel unsafe due to the presence of your dogs.

Create a Separate “Dog Zone”

There are several different ways you can use a DIY electronic dog fence to protect your flock. Because underground dog fences can be installed anywhere and in any shape or size, you have the ability to customize the boundaries. One method is creating a “dog zone” that is an area enclosed by the electric fence that your dogs will be confined to. This will prevent your dogs from having access to your full backyard, which is particularly great for their own safety if you have other livestock, machinery, or a pond on your property. This is an excellent method because it will make your dogs feel at ease to know they have an area of the yard that is their own.

Enclose Your Chicken Coop

You can also use an electronic dog fence to enclose your chicken coop. With this method, your dogs will be able to roam anywhere in your backyard except the chicken run. If you want your dogs to have maximum space to run and play, enclosing the chicken coop will ensure that your dogs are kept out of the flock’s own space. If you have limited space in your yard and no other hazards are present, this method might be preferable so that you can maximize your dogs’ area. You can view other ideas for the placement of your underground dog fence online – it’s a very versatile system that can be used in whatever way works best for you. Of course if you are dealing with other predators putting your property at risk and assuming you have sufficient property to cross or double fence you may want to look into installing an electrified net.

Choosing and Installing a Dog Fence

Perhaps the most important step in the process of installing a DIY electric dog fence is selecting your containment system. There are several different brands and types of fences, so it’s important to read plenty of online reviews and instruction manuals before making a purchase. The size of your yard, as well as the size of your dogs, may influence the type of fence and e-collars you need to purchase for maximum effectiveness. There are also wireless dog fence options that are easier to install, but they sometimes cost more and have a smaller size capacity.

A nearby power source is required for an electronic dog fence. If you don’t have an outlet available, you can purchase a solar panel for about $100. If you use an outlet, you can expect your electric bill to increase by only $1-2 per month. Installing an electric dog fence on your own will save you thousands in installation costs. The only outside help you’ll require is that of your local utility companies for marking the location of any underground wires, which is a free service you can get by calling 811. In most cases, the presence of underground utilities will not require you to change your plans for installing an electronic dog fence.

With an underground dog fence, your flock and pet dogs can peacefully coexist in your backyard. After you’ve installed the fence, it will take about 15 minutes per day for up to two weeks to train your dogs to understand their new boundaries and e-collars. Above all else, the safety of your flock and your pets dogs are most important, so always take whatever time is necessary to carefully choose and implement a containment method in your yard.

New Year? New Chicken Coop?

A Guide to Building Chicken Coops

In part from a new website i just love, check out poultryone.com


When it comes to giving your backyard chickens a home, it doesn’t matter the style of the housing — the chickens don’t care. Some examples include a conventional chicken coop, an open range or an off-the-ground kennel —  so long as you provide the basic requirements necessary for happy, healthy hens. In this guide, you’ll discover what to look for when building a chicken coop or buying a pre-made chicken house.

Characteristics to Consider

The best chicken coops or poultry houses have several characteristics in common.

1. The chicken coop should protect your backyard flock from hungry predators such as fox, coyote, raccoon, hawks and your neighbor’s Golden Retriever.
2. The coop should be constructed of economical building material that’s easily available to you (not applicable if you’re purchasing a pre-manufactured cage or coop).
3. It should be strong and sturdy enough to stand up against unfavorable weather, such as summer heat and humidity, hurricanes, frosty winter mornings.
4. The coop should provide your chickens with the right balance between enclosed shelter and open ventilation.
5. It should be easy to clean and budget-friendly to maintain.
6. The chicken coop should be big enough for your backyard chickens.

Permanent or Portable?

Although there are hundreds of chicken coop styles on the market, most of these housing styles can be divided into two types: those that are portable and those that are permanent.

Portable coops typically don’t have a bottom and can be moved around a field or pasture to provide your chickens with fresh grass, bugs and seeds. It’s often known as the chicken tractor-style coop.

Meanwhile, a permanent coop — think a traditional, colonial-style chicken house with an attached wire run — is designed to stay wherever you first build it and is best if you have only a limited amount of space for your backyard chickens.

Space Requirements for Chickens

Your chickens want lots of space to run around and stretch their wings. The more space you give your chickens, the happier and healthier they’ll be. Generally, you should provide your backyard chickens with a minimum of 2 square feet per bird unless you’re raising bantam chickens, which only need 1.5 square feet per bird.

Tempting as it may be, don’t cram more chickens into your chicken coop than the coop can hold. Overcrowded birds are more susceptible to health problems like cannibalism and disease.

 

Minimum Space Requirements for Poultry
Type of Poultry Bird	Sq Ft / Inside Coop	Sq Ft / Outside in a Run
Bantam Chickens Layer Hens Large Chickens Quail Pheasants Ducks Geese	1 1.5-2 2 1 5 3 6	4 8 10 4 25 15 18

Building Chicken Coops: Proper Lighting

Happy hens love being able to see their friends around them. Proper lighting is important for your chickens’ sense of well-being. It’s also necessary to stimulate egg production in layer hens.

Solar lighting may be an option for coops in a remote location.

Strategically placed windows in the south wall of your backyard coop will provide both natural sunlight, ventilation during the warm months and additional warmth during the cool months. You’ll also want to consider electric lighting, such as a bulb suspended above your chickens’ feeding and watering area, for the shorter fall and winter months.

Building Chicken Coops: Ventilation

If you don’t setup sufficient ventilation in your backyard chicken coop, the air inside can become stale and stagnant. Besides creating nasty smells for both you and your pet chickens, this stagnating air can also create a buildup of unhealthy fumes. Prevent such problems by creating good ventilation, such as vents along the ceiling or small windows placed along the east or south side of your chicken house to create a fresh breeze.

Building Chicken Coops: Roosts

Think of a properly sized roost as the perfect mattress for your chickens. Your backyard hens will naturally want to sleep while perched off the ground on their roost. To give your chickens the best sleep possible, construct your chicken roosts approximately 36 inches or less off of the coop floor and space each roost approximately 14 inches or more apart.

Building Chicken Coops: Nests

If you’re raising backyard chickens for their eggs, your layer hens will appreciate having a private place to go to lay their eggs. No one likes to do such business in public! Plan to have one nest for every three to four layer hens. Each nest should be properly sized, otherwise the hen will become stressed and may not use the nest. For optimal egg-laying, the nest should be 1.5 times bigger than your hens (this is breed-specific). A slanted roof over the nest is also ideal, as it will keep your chickens from standing or roosting on top of the nests where any falling manure can dirty your chicken eggs.

What to do with your chickens when you go off for the Holidays?

Chickens and Holidays

 

Anne Perdeaux 26th April 2014 Keeping Chickens FAQ

https://poultrykeeper.com/keeping-chickens-faq/chickens-and-holidays/

Anne asks the question we should have all asked before buying our chickens: What do you do with chickens when you go on holiday?

It’s not the chickens that need a holiday, but their hard-pressed owners. The only problem is – who will look after the chickens?

Of course this should have been given some consideration before buying chickens in the first place, but life isn’t always so well organised and sometimes circumstances change. In any case, it’s important to make sure your chickens are properly cared for when you are away from home, even if it’s only for a couple of nights.

Automatic Equipment

It’s sometimes suggested that chickens can be left for a few days with automatic pop-hole doors, feeders and drinkers. Although these appliances are useful, daily (preferably twice daily) checks are still essential – for the following reasons:

• If the equipment fails, the chickens could be shut in their house all day, left vulnerable at night, or be deprived of food and water.
• If hens are laying, eggs should be collected at least once a day to avoid encouraging broodiness or egg-eating – a difficult habit to break.
• A chicken could become ill or injured. Chickens are good at hiding illness, and can look perfectly healthy one day only to be at death’s door the next. Sick birds are often picked on by the flock, sometimes with fatal results. Apart from the unnecessary suffering this would cause, the owner could return to a very grisly sight.
  An automatic pop-hole opener which can be used to automate the locking up process.
  
  

  Leaving chickens unattended could actually result in a charge of neglect – especially if something does go wrong.
  Organising a Chicken-Sitter
  Chickens dislike change so it’s better if you are able to find a responsible person to take care of them in their own surroundings. If you have a large flock this is also likely to be the only viable option. Here are some ideas:
  (a) Ask a neighbour
  If you are lucky enough to have a friendly and responsible neighbour who just happens to love chickens, holidays should be no problem! Make sure the neighbour knows what to do and is prepared to give your chickens the appropriate care. Don’t forget to be properly grateful and to bring back a thoughtful gift from your travels.
  (b) Make a reciprocal arrangement
  With so many people keeping chickens now, it may be possible to find a like-minded person nearby. You might even be able to organise an entire circle of chicken-sitters in your neighbourhood. You could post a message on our poultry forum – poultrykeeperforum.com to see if there is someone near you who might be prepared for you to help one-another out.
  (c) Pay someone to help out
  A local youngster (or oldster!) may be happy to earn a few pounds looking after your flock when you are away. Unless you know the person well, it’s a good idea to ask for references as they will have access to your property when it is vacant.
  A local youngster may be willing to help out. Photo courtesy of D. Fielding
  (d) Employ a professional pet-sitter
  Pet-sitters will either call at your home to attend to your animals, or even live-in if required (this can be useful if you don’t like leaving your house unoccupied). Look for adverts in magazines, the vet’s surgery, animal feed stores or on-line (try www.ukpetsitters.com). Remember to check references thoroughly, and to confirm that your pet-sitter has some experience of caring for chickens.

Mt. Healthy Hatchery 2018 Chick Season

As many are decking the halls, putting up Christmas trees, shopping and wrapping presents, I am planning for our 2018 Chick Season. Being a step ahead gives me a sense of Peace.

Our main hatchery is Mt. Healthy in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Beginning in late January we will start receiving the first of our day old chicks. Before that can happen, a lot of planning comes into play. For this week’s blog I have condensed Mt. Healthy’s website www.mthealthy.com  of chicken information, down to a simple list of the chickens we order from them each year.  That includes ducks, turkeys, and guineas. In last year’s blog postings, I wrote about each chicken we order. If you are looking for specific information on a chicken, check the archives in 2017.

Mt. Healthy is our main hatchery and our success with them and their chicks has proved to be a good relationship for several years. However, they are not the only hatchery we use. We have also used Privett Hatchery www.privetthatchery.com,  and other hatcheries as our back up and for rare or different birds. For this week, I am posting the list of birds available that will be coming into Woodville Ace from January through June of 2018

Mt. Healthy Common Chickens

Amberlinks - Pullets  (females)

After having been away from the US market for several years, she is back by popular demand. Mainly white with some brown feathers, the Amberlink has become a favorite, with her beautiful full brown egg color. Mt Healthy is one of the very few hatcheries in the country to offer this variety.

Barred Plymouth Rocks  (pullets/ females)

This is another old favorite and one that, in true breeding style, delivers big profits. This is one of the oldest and most selected strain of Barred Rocks in the U.S. The Barred Plymouth Rock has held its own because of its great merit as a profitable, practical fowl for every day in the year use.
.

Black Australorp  (pullets/females)

Is an eye-catching bird. It is black with an intense beetle-green sheen on its feathers. Australorps are very good brown egg layers, in fact one hen still holds the world's record by laying 364 eggs in 365 days under official Australian testing.Black Australorp Chicken (pullets)

Black Sex Links  (pullets/ females)

This valuable chicken is produced by mating an R.I. Red male to a Barred rock female. The pullets are black with a reddish cast and are splendid layers of large brown eggs.

Brown Leghorns  (pullets females)

A spirited, stylish, active bird which is exceedingly hardy. Its activity can even make it somewhat wild. Brown Leghorns are rarely broody and lay an excellent amount of white eggs.

Columbian Rock Cross Chickens  (pullets/females)

Produced by mating a Rhode Island Red female with a Columbian male, this robust, dual-purpose bird is know for its ability to efficiently produce eggs even in the coldest of climates. An excellent layer of cream colored brown eggs with a calm good natured disposition, this cross is a great choice for the family flock. Females are basic white with the traditional Columbian pattern of black laced across the neck and black-trimmed wing tips and tails. Males have different shades of brown mixed throughout their feathering.

Jumbo Cornish Rock Cross  (pullets/females)

Now you can raise your Corn Game hens own Just like in the Supermarket!.The large massive Cornish Cockerels are bred to large broiler type White Rock hens. The cross produces one of the finest quality broiler type chicks that can be found anywhere. They make market weight in 7 weeks. Many of our customers report 4 lb. broilers in 7 to 8 weeks. They give you the desired broad breast, big leg, big thigh, uniform conformation, rich yellow skin, extra fast feathering, real prime broilers. We cannot overemphasize the importance of proper nutrition for your successful results from our Cornish X Rock Cross chicks! The tremendous growth rate makes it absolutely essential to feed a broiler ration to this bird. We recommend a 23% protein starter ration for the first four weeks and a 20% protein grower ration the remainder of the growing period. Because of the rapid weight gain of these chicks, we suggest a vitamin supplement. We offer an excellent product, Vitamin Stress Pack 4oz. package

Comets  (pullets/females)

The Comet has been widely acclaimed in all areas of the world where brown eggs are preferred. The reason is simple. The Comet pullet is easily one of the finest brown egg layers available today. They mature early and lay eggs of excellent size and quality. She is an extremely quiet bird, that seems to be able to withstand the colder, non-insulated, laying houses of the small flock owner, better than most breeds. The Comet is a buff sex-link strain. The chicks may be sexed by color, pullets red-roosters white. When mature, the  Comet pullet is golden red in color, but has some white showing through in her neck and back.

New Hampshire  (pullets/females) 

For outstanding vigor, size, uniform growth, early maturity, rapid full feathering, heavy egg production and large egg size, these MONEY MAKERS can't be beaten. This fine strain produces large brown eggs with extra good shell texture and has a yellow skinned carcass free from dark pin-feathers.

Production Red Chickens  (pullets/females)

By utilizing crosses between New Hampshire's and Rhode Islands, Production Reds were developed. Their coloring is similar to a Rhode Island but is not as consistent as they vary from dark to light. Production Reds are one of our best producers of large brown eggs.

Red Cross Chickens   (pullets/females)

Crossing a Rhode Island Red male with a Columbian female produces this hardy, quiet and easy to handle hybrid. Females are high producers of rich colored brown eggs, making this cross a great choice for both the family farm and the large commercial laying house. These chicks are easy to sex by color: females are reddish brown while males are mostly white.

Rhode Island Reds  (pullets/females) 

If you are striving for the "Peak" in egg production and still want a heavy bird with good market possibilities, these Reds are for you. A check of national egg laying contest records will reveal the superior egg laying qualities of this breed.

White Leghorn  (pullets/females) 

White Leghorn's "The businessman's bird-all around profit makers." White Leghorn chicks are balanced bred for performance Livability- High production- Superior shell strength and proper egg size- Feed efficiency- Truly an outstanding bird  

White Plymouth Rock  (pullets/females)

Here is a strain of White Rocks that will lay lots of large brown eggs, make wonderful broilers and dandy roasters. Our White Rocks will run larger than average, hens reaching 6 to 7 lbs yet they are one of the best layers of their breed in the country.

 

Mount Healthy Rare Chickens

Araucanas/Ameraucanas  (Pullets/Females)

Originally from Chile, in South America, they are called the Easter egg fowl. They lay colored eggs: blue, green, pink, and olive drab. These birds vary in size and color, some may have whiskers and others muffs of feathers that cover their ears. Their eggs are reported to have more nutritional value than ordinary eggs.

 

 Black Giants  (pullets/females) 

These are beautiful birds, and you will find them massive in appearance. They are noted for both good laying ability and good meat characteristics. They lay dark brown eggs, are very docile and easy to work with.

 Buckeye (pullets/females)

They’re named after the “Buckeye State” of Ohio where this breed originated in 1896. Buckeyes have rich yellow skin, with mahogany feathering and black tail. They adjust to confinement well but prefer to range on grass. A good dual purpose producer of brown eggs well suited for small farm yard and back yard flocks. 

 Buff Brahma Chickens  (pullets/females)

These gorgeous birds are a rare variety of Brahmas with beautiful buff feathers edged in black on the neck, wings and tail. They have a rose comb with feathered shanks and toes. Mt Healthy Brahmas are very docile and broody birds, making them excellent mothers.

 

Buff Orpingtons (pullets/females)

An old time favorite with poultry people for many years. These are a nice quiet breed. They are a beautiful buff color and will lay lots of nice brown eggs.  

                                                                                                                       

Cuckoo Maran (pullets/females)

Know best for their distinctive chocolate brown eggs. The Cuckoo Maran is a rare breed that adapts well to confinement. They resemble a Barred Plymouth Rock except their bars are not as perfect and their colors are not as distinct. Marans lay the darkest eggs of any breed and are a nice dual purpose bird.

Dark Brahma Chickens  (pullets/females) 

Unlike other Brahmas, the color pattern of the Dark Brahma depends on the sex of the bird. Roosters are typically black and silver while hens sport a beautiful silver-penciled plumage. Like all Brahmas, Dark Brahmas have feathered shanks and toes. These brown egg layers have a very calm temperament making them a popular choice for pets.

Golden Laced Wyandotte (pullets/females)

Is one of the most beautiful breeds we offer. Their feather pattern is a combination of rich golden brown laced with greenish black tipped feather. They have rose combs, and are good producers of brown eggs

Light Brahmas (pullets/females) 

Their smooth fitting full plumage is striking, with white edged black feathers in the neck, wings and tail. The heavily feathered shanks and outer toes are another interesting feature. Brahmas are dependable producers of large brown eggs.

Partridge Rock  (pullets/females) 

These are a rare variety of the Plymouth Rock family. Their striking color
patterns make them one of the best varieties for the exhibitor. Known not only to
be a dependable brown egg layer but also very good setters.

Silver Lace Wyandottes  (pullets/females)

These are truly magnificently colored birds. Their silvery white feathers, laced with black make them a most attractive bird in your barn yard. They are heavy producers of large brown eggs.e a dependable brown egg layer but also very good setters

 

Speckled Sussex  (pullets/females)

This rare and extremely attractive breed originated in Sussex County, beatifulEngland where they became widely known as prolific layers of medium sized brown eggs. When mature their pluma beautiful brownish red with feathers tipped in white. This variety combines beauty and utility which makes them an excellent choice for both your backyard flock as well as a stunning show bird.

Welsummer Chickens  (pullets/females)

This Dutch breed is known for its cold hardy, calm temperament and the production of dark reddish brown eggs. Welsummers are single combed and have very different plumage from male to female making them an unique addition to your flock.

Assorted Bantams

Known as the "Flower Garden" of the poultry world because of their beautiful coloring. They are about 1/4 size of
standard bred chickens and are perfect for pets and exhibition.The assortment is hatchery choice of breeds and may
contain the following: Porcelains, Millefleurs, Golden Seabrights, Silver Seabrights, White Silkies, Red Pyle Old English, Brown
Old English, Silver Duckwing, and Old English.  You will truly fall in love with these beautiful birds.

Other Poultry we order from Mt. Healthy

Broad Breasted White Turkey
Our broad breasted whites are an extra good compact meat type bird. They dress out well at almost any size, with a pleasantly plump carcass. They are a favorite of many because they look so well when dressed, having no dark pin feathers, and such fine color.

Artisan Gold Turkeys (as hatched only)

This rare black breed of turkey is smaller in size and slower growing. They thrive in a free range environment where it can express natural tendencies such as running and roosting. The Artisan Gold offers a robust, gamey taste that is exotically different from traditional turkeys.

Orlopp Mammoth Bronze Turkeys
Our Bronzes are outstanding examples of this breed. Handsome, colorful birds that attract attention whenever seen. Hens average 18 to 20 lbs. and toms average 30 lbs.

Giant White Pekin Ducks
With proper feed and care our White Pekins will develop to a weight of 7 lb. in 8 weeks

French Guineas

Guineas are fun, easy, and inexpensive to raise. Once started, they are excellent foragers, living on insects, seeds, and grasses. They are super farmyard watchdogs, sounding an alarm anytime anything unusual occurs. They are purplish gray with small white spots and the adults are about two pounds heavier than Pearl Guineas.

 

Thanksgiving Turkey

I love Turkeys, cute little baby turkeys called poults, big fluffed up gobblers strutting around the barn yard, and yes, Thanksgiving would feel a little empty without the traditions of a beautifully cooked turkey with all the fixins’. We were taught about the first Thanksgiving and how the Native Americans introduced turkey to the pilgrims in grade school. Turkeys are truly an American bird. If you raise turkeys for pets or for food they will always prove to be a source in entertainment. It's kind of like raising ducks, you either love em or hate em. Turkey poults are so cute, but much more delicate that baby chicks or ducklings. They are not very smart. Drinking cold water can kill them, a small drop in temperature or loud noise and they go into shock. If you are thinking about adding them to your flock this coming year, plan for a little extra care until they mature. Yes, many people raise turkeys and chickens together, but there are precautions you should research. We will not order turkeys until the weather warms, usually just after Easter. And there are so many different breeds to choose from.

For now enjoy some Turkey Facts, Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

   — menu —

Turkey Facts

• Ben Franklin, in a letter to his daughter, proposed the turkey as the official United States bird.
• In 2012, the average American ate 16 pounds of turkey.
• 88% of Americans surveyed by the National Turkey Federation eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
• 46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving, 22 million on Christmas and 19 million turkeys on Easter.
• In 2011, 736 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the United States.
• Turkey consumption has increased 104% since 1970.
• Since 1970, turkey production in the United States has increased nearly 110%.
• In 2013, 242 million turkeys are expected to be raised in the United States.
• In 2012, 253,500,000 turkeys were produced in the United States.
• The turkey industry employs 20,000 to 25,000 persons in the United States.
• In 1970, 50% of all turkey consumed was during the holidays, now just 29% of all turkey consumed is during the holidays as more turkey is eaten year-round.
• In 2012, turkey was the # 4 protein choice for American consumers behind chicken, beef and pork
• The top three turkey products sold in 2011 were whole birds, ground turkey and cooked white meat (deli meat).
• Turkey hens are usually sold as whole birds. Toms are processed into turkey sausage, turkey franks, tenderloins, cutlets and deli meats.
• In 2011, 47.4% of turkeys were sold to grocery stores and other retail outlets, 30% sold in commodity outlets, 15.5% sold to foodservice outlets and 6.2% were exported.
• In 2011, 703.3 million pounds of turkey were exported.
• The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
• The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds, about the size of a large dog.
• A 15 pound turkey usually has about 70 percent white meat and 30 percent dark meat.
• The wild turkey is native to northern Mexico and the eastern United States.
• The male turkey is called a tom.
• The female turkey is called a hen.
• The turkey was domesticated in Mexico and brought to Europe in the 16th century.
• Tom turkeys have beards. That is comprised of black, hair-like feathers on their breast.
• Canadians consumed 142 million kgs of turkey in the year 2012.
• Turkeys can see movement almost 100 yards away.
• Turkeys lived almost ten million years ago.
• Baby turkeys are called poults and are tan and brown.
• Turkey eggs are tan with brown specks and are larger than chicken eggs.
• It takes 75-80 pounds of feed to raise a 30 pound tom turkey.
• In 1920, U.S. turkey growers produced one turkey for every 29 persons in the U.S. Today growers produce nearly one turkey for every person in the country.
• Male turkeys gobble. Hens do not. They make a clicking noise.
• Gobbling turkeys can be heard a mile away on a quiet day.
• Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, Indiana, California, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio were the leading producers of turkeys in 2011-2012.
• Minnesota raised 46 million turkeys in 2012.
• Illinois farmers produce close to 3 million turkeys each year.
• A 16 week old turkey is called a fryer. A 5 to 7 month old turkey is called a young roaster and a yearling is a year old. Any turkey 15 months or older is called mature.
• The ballroom dance the "Turkey Trot"was named for the short, jerky steps that turkeys take.
• Turkeys do not really have ears like ours, but they have very good hearing.
• Turkeys can see in color.
• A large group of turkeys is called a flock.
• Turkeys do not see well at night.
• A domesticated male turkey can reach a weight of 30 pounds within 18 weeks after hatching.
• Turkeys are related to pheasants.
• Commercially raised turkeys cannot fly.
• Wild turkeys spend the night in trees. They prefer oak trees.
• Wild turkeys were almost wiped out in the early 1900's. Today there are wild turkeys in every state except Alaska.
• Wild turkeys can fly for short distances up to 55 mph and can run 20 mph.
• Turkeys are believed to have been brought to Britain in 1526 by Yorkshire man William Strickland. He acquired six turkeys from American Indian traders and sold them for tuppence in Bristol.
• Henry VIII was the first English King to enjoy turkey and Edward VII made turkey eating fashionable at Christmas.
• 200 years ago in England, turkeys were walked to market in herds. They wore booties to protect their feet. Turkeys were also walked to market in the United States.
• For 87% of people in the UK, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a traditional roast turkey.
• Turkey breeding has caused turkey breasts to grow so large that the turkeys fall over.
• June is National Turkey Lover’s Month.
• Since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has presented a live turkey and two dressed turkeys to the President. The President does not eat the live turkey. He "pardons"it and allows it to live out its days on a historical farm.
• The National Thanksgiving Turkey has been the Grand Marshall in the Thanksgiving Day Parade at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida for the past four years.
• The five most popular ways to serve leftover turkey are in a sandwich, stew, chili or soup, casseroles and as a burger.
• Eating turkey does not cause you to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. Carbohydrates in your Thanksgiving dinner are the likely cause of your sleepiness.
• According to the 2007 Census, there were 8,284 turkey farms in the United States.
• Turkey is low in fat and high in protein.
• Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.
• White meat has fewer calories and less fat than dark meat.
• Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity.
• Turkeys have been bred to have white feathers. White feathers have no spots under the skin when plucked.
• Most turkey feathers are composted.
• Turkey feathers were used to stabilize arrows and adorn ceremonial dress, and the spurs on the legs of wild tom turkeys were used as projectiles on arrowheads.
• Turkey skins can be tanned and used to make cowboy boots and belts.
• The costume that "Big Bird"wears on Sesame Street is rumored to be made of turkey feathers.
• The caruncle is a red-pink fleshy growth on the head and upper neck of the turkey.
• Turkeys have a long, red, fleshy growth called the snood from the base of the beak that hangs down over the beak.
• The bright red fleshy growth under a turkey’s throat is called a wattle.
• The beard is a lock of hair found on the chest of the male turkey.
• Giblets are the heart, liver, and gizzard of a poultry carcass. Although often packaged with them, the neck of the bird is not a giblet.
• Turkey eggs hatch in 28 days.
• The Native Americans hunted wild turkey for its sweet, juicy meat as early as 1000 A.D.
• There are a number of towns in the United States named after the holiday’s traditional main course. Turkey, Texas, was the most populous in 2005, with 492 residents;followed by Turkey Creek, Louisiana (357);and Turkey, North Carolina (269). There also are 9 townships around the country named “Turkey,”3 in Kansas.
  Sources: National Turkey Federation, U.S.D.A., United States Census Bureau, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, British Turkey Information Service, Canadian Turkey Marketing Association
  University of Illinois Extension | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | College of ACES
  © 2017 University of Illinois Board of Trustees | Privacy | EEO