Hatching Heritage Breed Turkeys and Raising Pasture Poultry

2012 Annual Report for YNC10-056

Project Type: Youth
Funds awarded in 2010: $367.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2013
Region: North Central
State: Ohio
Project Coordinator:

Hatching Heritage Breed Turkeys and Raising Pasture Poultry

Summary

So far, my Hatching Heritage Breed Turkeys and Raising Pasture Poultry project has experienced great success. My original plan was altered slightly due to delay in funding until after turkey breeding season. Funds originally for hatching eggs were used to purchase 8 Blue Slate, 2 Royal Palm and 2 Heritage Bronze poults from a local breeder.

Objectives/Performance Targets

In November at the Ohio National I purchased my incubator and automatic turner. My Blue Slate hens are now laying so I currently have 14 eggs set to hatch in the next month.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Once raised, I exhibited some of my Blue Slate at the Ohio National Poultry Show. My show birds placed well (Reserve Champion Youth Turkey) and I sold 6 breeding birds to heritage enthusiasts. In addition, I constructed a pasture hoop house to contain my birds. I made a poster documenting the construction and displayed it at fair, even winning second place in the educational poultry poster contest.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

I displayed my turkeys at a Farm Day for elementary students hosted by a local farm family. I had the opportunity to talk to about one hundred children about my poultry. My turkeys were also displayed at local petting zoos where they attracted a lot of attention.