Really Free-Range Turkey

[Liz McClunin]

Just left a comment on my wall about this and thought I should post this as a discussion. Im stuck in Cape cod for the winter. I will be in Portland this comming weekend.(wkend before T-Day). So I was wondering if anyone knew of someone who will be processing free range turkeys this coming weekend and will have them for sale? Its rather bleak down here as far as free range and local is concerned. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Liz

[Bethany]

I'd like to know too.

[Liz McClunin]

Hey Bethany, In response to the turkey quest I had last month, I did connect with Willow Pond Farm, I think they were up towards Augusta. They had some turkeys that they had processed ahead of time and froze. Which would of been fine. I would have had to drive an extra 50 or so miles. Instead I happened upon Platos Harvest in Middleborough Mass and found a guy who had free range heritage birds. (Which were incredible!)Since he was only 35 min from cape cod I went there the monday before thanksgiving. The problem for me getting a turkey in Maine was that no one was processing on the sat or sun before thanksgiving which was the only time I was going to be there. Everyone was doing so on tues, and rightly so due to perishability. I dont know if anyone is doing christmas turkeys. You could try checking out the listings on MOFGA if that was what you were looking for. Also Little Creek Farm in Brunswick had turkeys.

[Joe]

The Turkey Farm in New Sharon is a great place to find fresh turkey anytime of the year. They have a grower/producer exemption which allows them to process their own turkeys at their farm. They are on the web (www.theturkeyfarm.com) and also at both WInter Farmer's Market's in Brunswick this winter, Fort Andross and Granite Farm. Check them out.

[Jesse Stevens]

I'm considering raising some turkeys for the table this year. I'd be looking for some heritage breed poults- anyone know where I might acquire some this spring? Also, anyone willing to weigh in on aspects of raising turkeys vs broiler chickens? I've heard that turkeys(of course) need more space, and are more prone to illnesses. One reason I want to go with heritage breeds is that I'd imagine them to be hardier than 'modern' breeds ie, Broad Breasted Whites. We raised 30 broilers last summer, and are down to the last one in the freezer...time to reload!

[Josh Grams]

We haven't really had any trouble with turkeys. They do need to stay in the brooder longer than the usual cornish cross broilers, 6 weeks instead of 3 or 4. But once they get going I'd say they're hardier than broilers. And much more fun.