Holidays and the Domesticated Turkey

Have you ever wondered why we eat turkeys on holidays?  Who started the tradition? Why would we even domesticate turkeys? This is the history of the domesticated turkey.

The modern domesticated turkey is descendant from one of the six subspecies of wild turkey that came from southern Mexico. The earliest archeological signs of domestication, such as the construction of pens and large quantities of eggshells, have appeared on Mayan sites that date back to 100 BC. By 300 AD, the Aztecs and pueblo societies of the America southwest were domesticating turkeys as well, using their meat and eggs for protein and their feathers for decorative purposes. In fact, the Aztecs even associated the turkey with their God Tezcatlipoca because of his humorous behavior.

The first turkeys were imported to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The English navigator William Strickland is credited for introducing the first turkey to England around the same time. Strickland even included a turkey on his family coat of arms. However, the turkey still remained a luxury food until the late 19th century.

In early America, wild turkeys were abundant and thus easy to catch for a feast. When the English began to domesticate this poultry species, they quickly realized that the animal had no other use then meat production. Other animals such as chickens or cattle were raised for a dual purpose. Americans followed the growing British tradition of eating turkey for holiday meals.  However, while the British have always associated turkey with Christmas dinner, Americans have grown accustomed to eating it for Thanksgiving as well.

By the 1940s, intensive farming production techniques had improved, which allowed turkey to be more affordable. In addition, refrigeration technologies allowed turkeys to be frozen and shipped long distances.

The Broad-Breasted White turkey is the most common commercial breed due to its size and amount of meat. The Broad-Breasted Bronze is second compared to the White. There are also many heritage breeds, which are raised to retain historic characteristics and natural behavior of wild turkeys. Although they have been praised as having a richer taste than commercial turkeys, the meat from heritage turkeys is very expensive due to their slow growth and low population. However, the recent movement towards eating natural and organic food has increased the interest in raising them domestically.

Whether you are enjoying a Broad-Breasted White, a Broad-Breasted Bronze, or a heritage breed, your holiday in America will be complete with a turkey. 

Guest post written by Lori Hutchison. Lori is an Art History Professor and owns the Masters in History Schools website at www.mastersinhistory.net.

Attention Begining Farmers: Here's A Program For You!

The Living On a Few Acres course is designed as an introduction to basic production techniques for a wide variety of topics from poultry and beef production to vegetables and organics.  As you consider your options for a new farm business, learn what is involved and the resources available to help.

The “Living on a Few Acres” program in Berks County is designed to provide individuals interested in beginning or improving upon an existing, small-scale agricultural operation.  Whether your intent is to produce food for your family or seek some income from your property, this series of seminars has something to offer.

Experts from Penn State Cooperative Extension will provide an overview of basic production topics and an introduction to the resources and support available for new producers.  The complete course (all seven evenings) is only $40/person or $60/couple.  All classes are held Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA 19533.

Specific topics and dates:

2/24 – Introduction to Soils, Amendments, and Compost

3/3 – Beef, Sheep, and Goats

3/10 – Vegetables Production

3/17 – Fruit and Berries

3/24 – Pigs and Poultry

3/31 – IPM and Organics

4/7 – Marketing 

For more information, check out the Penn State Cooperative Extension Start Farming website:  http://extension.psu.edu/start-farming/courses.

The ABC's of Raising Backyard Poultry

Backyard poultry is a fun enterprise whether it is a project for your children or a project for you. There is so much to think about when it comes to raising live animals such as a small flock of chickens. Breeds, purchasing birds, and equipment are just a few topics that should run through your mind.

When people think about chickens they think about three main topics: odor, mess, and noise. All three can be curtailed depending on how you decide to run your small flock operation. First, chickens can smell just like dogs and cats can if they are not taken care of. Maintenance and daily manure removal from the chicken coop or housing can reduce odor and mess issues. The noises from the chickens mainly come from the loud crow of the rooster. Many people believe that you need a rooster to have eggs every day, which is not true. You only need a rooster if you want your eggs fertilized to eventually have chicks. Some research has even proven that hens might actually lay eggs more consistently when there is no rooster in the flock.

When you are starting to think about raising chickens, you need to check your local laws to see if you are allowed to raise poultry in your backyard. County, city, community laws and ordinances all need to be looked at when determining if you may raise chickens. In the past few years, more and more cities and towns have been allowing chickens in the backyard.

The first decision you need to make is why you want to raise poultry. Do you want meat or eggs? Depending on how you want to use the chickens will determine what breeds you will need. Each breed has different characteristics. For example, Leghorns are known for producing large amounts of white eggs, while Rhode Islands are known as a dual purpose breed and have brown eggs.

After deciding on what breed you are interested in you will have to decide on the age of the birds you would like to purchase. Hatching chicks, purchasing birds from a breeder or buying from a hatchery are all possible options. Hatching chicks can be a challenging but learning experience. If you have children, hatching might be a great educational experience for them. Many people forgo the hatching stage and purchase day old chicks from hatcheries. The chicks can survive up to three days on the nutrition that they received from the egg before hatching. This means that sending chicks in the mail is a possibility. Purchasing day old chicks from a hatchery will allow you to choose only pullets if you are not interested in buying a rooster. Just remember when buying chicks, purchase from a quality source such as a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) participant.

Once chicks are received, you will need a brooder to keep them warm and dry. You can easily construct a brooder using cardboard box, bathtub, or plastic bins. Round the corners of the brooder to eliminate any piling that could happen when birds get too cold. Inside the brooder will need to be a heat lamb to keep the chicks warm as well as a food and water source.

After about six weeks, chicks will be ready to go outside. Make sure you have the proper type of facilities for your chickens. The chicken coop can be very basic, as long as it is efficient for the birds to use. Fresh water, dry food, shelter, and nest boxes for eggs are all important for the chicken coop. Predators are also an issue that will have to be taken in consideration when building the chicken coop. Owls, hawks, raccoons, weasels, fox, dogs, and cats are possible predators. A strong fence buried about a foot under the ground is an option that many poultry owners decide to do to deter predators.

Raising chickens can be a huge benefit to your household. Chickens, of course, can provide the family with fresh eggs and meat. Table scraps and insects are no longer an issue. Chickens will consume your household food waste as well as reduce insect population in your backyard. Chicken manure could be a valuable part to your compost, which will add rich nutrients to your garden. Raising poultry can truly be a rewarding experience for the whole family.

Brooder and chicken coop plans as well information on raising and caring for poultry and more information can be found by contacting your local Cooperative Extension office or by visiting Penn State Start Farming.

Fair Season is Upon Us!

Celebrating Wordless Wednesday!

Summer means fair season! Take the time to visit your local fair in the community. Some people go for the rides, entertainment, and food and others go to exhibit their 4-H and FFA projects. The fair is an educational and fun event to attend with your family and friends. At the fair, spectators have the opportunity to pet the animals, talk to the 4-H'ers and producers, and learn about animal nutrition and proper care. When you are at the fair you can learn so much about animals by just visiting the livestock and dairy barns. Opportunities and experiences are endless at the fair! Maybe you will even have the opportunity to hold a small animal such as this young girl at the Lebanon Area Fair which is going on this week in Lebanon, PA.