Tula the Turkey Travels Home
Family
Tula is our Eastern Wild Turkey hen who is part of the family. She spends most of her time by the house and when she spots one of us, she gently pecks us to get attention. She gets along with all the animals and loves to join the goats eating fresh hay.
Biological Clock Ticking
During the springtime, we were not able to find Tula’s eggs. We knew she was laying them somewhere out in the desert. In late spring, she decided it was time to consider motherhood so she began sitting on those infertile eggs somewhere out in the field. (Turkeys have good instincts but determining the hatchability of eggs is not one of them.)
Gone
When she didn’t return home, we sadly determined that she had become another meal for the coyotes. Life went on and we adjusted to not having her around.
Surprise
You can imagine our shock when she suddenly appeared three months later. We were so happy to see her. She was missing several feathers and had some small cuts on her back but otherwise she is doing great.
And ...she is back to her old self. Following us wherever we go.
No Longer #1
While Tula was gone, we ordered a batch of turkey chicks (Red Bourbon Heritage). Even though they are small, the males see Tula as a threat and chase her all over. She casually jogs along until she tires them out. I’m sure in time they will come to love her too.
Shelly
Summer 2007
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Resources
www.greenhomebuilding.com/adobe.htm
www.earthbagbuilding.com/articles.htm
www.earthbagplans.wordpress.com
We moved from the city to the country in 2005. Since then, we have been building structures, raising livestock and growing some of our own foods. We are crazy about family, nutrition and want the best for our growing family.
