Turkeys are abundant on the farm this time of year. We have our first batch (pictured) out on pasture and enjoying a smorgasbord of grass and bugs. The second larger batch is snug and warm in the brooder, as they just arrived last week. These floorless pasture pens that you see in the picture house the turkeys from week 4 to week 12 and are moved every day across the pasture. (After week 12 they are free-ranged in specially fenced pastures) We needed a way to provide the birds with all the pasture that they need at this age, while still protecting them from predators. These houses that we designed and built ourselves do the trick. Feeders are suspended from the ceiling, so they move with the pen when we pull forward. 55 gallons of onboard water also moves with the pen and ensures fresh water is always available. The daily pen moving can be a chore (we have 6 of these houses), but the quality of the product and the lifestyle we are able to give the birds make it worth the effort. We will again be taking deposits for Thanksgiving turkeys starting in August, so stay tuned.
