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About a month ago, I became owner of the two 'querkey turkeys shown above. No, not in my wildest dreams did I ever fancy owning turkeys some day. But W&G needed feed money and their turkey buyers had not shown up as promised so ... well, you get the idea. I said I would buy the two above since they are supposed to be native to New Mexico but don't ask me what they are called because I've already forgotten as I do with so many details lately. They are all too old and tough for dinner and they may or may not be young enough to even produce offspring. Just consider them corn-burning welfare pets as I do. The Katlady might at least get some good feathers for her costume projects.
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Now meet Hannah (above). Okay, so she might not be a classic good-looker unless you are another turkey but she at least has a personality and has become my turkey pet number 3 and my favorite homely bird.
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It all started when W&G asked me if I would feed their remaining critters here one day. Hey, I'm willing to try anything once so I marched out to the two pens after Gayle gave me instructions on who gets what quantity of cracked corn, etc. The first enclosure held assorted ducks, chickens and MANY flying rats (W&G call them pigeons) which flapped around with horrendous noise and air currents in front of my face as I tried to dole out corn in many small piles. It soon became obvious that any orderly distribution of feed was lost in the flap and I retreated after flinging the remainder of the corn in a broad pattern as cover fire.
The turkey pen was a little more civil although they have a number of pigeons, these are a racing breed, in there as well. Have I already mentioned that I really don't care for pigeons? It has something to do with Terry and I once donning surplus Israeli gas masks and ascending into a 120 degree barn loft to shovel a hundred or so pounds of pigeon guano out the second story window, guano laced with histoplasmosis which had nearly killed the pigeon owner who left that mess of crusty turds and bird skeletons in situ. But that is another story from another time.
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I didn't know her name (or that she even had one) at the time but when I told Wayne about the unusually tame white hen turkey who had let me pet her incredibly soft white plumage in return of a heads-in first dibs on the corn and later went wild over the black banana which I had sliced up skin and all, he told me all about Hannah. She had been a spoiled pet until she got huffy when the fellow didn't share part of his lunch with her as was customary. She thrashed and clawed him about the head in a vicious tantrum. W & G ended up with her and had let her have free run of the yard until she also attacked Gayle who was innocently milking goats at the time. Gayle said that Hannah became a regular penned turkey from that very day forth. They noted that Hannah had lost a lot of that rude-itude once she was demoted to joe average yard bird and forced to keep the company of other turkeys but that she still has her testy moments.
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Above is Hannah working on an attitude. They warned me to watch for this telltale sign of blustering and puffing up. The advice was well taken and I left the coop immediately after taking this photo. My face and limbs had endured enough fang and claw attacks that I have little interest in tempting fate.
After I told Wayne about Hannah's mad obsession with banana slices, he rechristened her "Hannah Banana". That name is a definite keeper.
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About a month ago, I became owner of the two 'querkey turkeys shown above. No, not in my wildest dreams did I ever fancy owning turkeys some day. But W&G needed feed money and their turkey buyers had not shown up as promised so ... well, you get the idea. I said I would buy the two above since they are supposed to be native to New Mexico but don't ask me what they are called because I've already forgotten as I do with so many details lately. They are all too old and tough for dinner and they may or may not be young enough to even produce offspring. Just consider them corn-burning welfare pets as I do. The Katlady might at least get some good feathers for her costume projects..
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Now meet Hannah (above). Okay, so she might not be a classic good-looker unless you are another turkey but she at least has a personality and has become my turkey pet number 3 and my favorite homely bird..
It all started when W&G asked me if I would feed their remaining critters here one day. Hey, I'm willing to try anything once so I marched out to the two pens after Gayle gave me instructions on who gets what quantity of cracked corn, etc. The first enclosure held assorted ducks, chickens and MANY flying rats (W&G call them pigeons) which flapped around with horrendous noise and air currents in front of my face as I tried to dole out corn in many small piles. It soon became obvious that any orderly distribution of feed was lost in the flap and I retreated after flinging the remainder of the corn in a broad pattern as cover fire.
The turkey pen was a little more civil although they have a number of pigeons, these are a racing breed, in there as well. Have I already mentioned that I really don't care for pigeons? It has something to do with Terry and I once donning surplus Israeli gas masks and ascending into a 120 degree barn loft to shovel a hundred or so pounds of pigeon guano out the second story window, guano laced with histoplasmosis which had nearly killed the pigeon owner who left that mess of crusty turds and bird skeletons in situ. But that is another story from another time.
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I didn't know her name (or that she even had one) at the time but when I told Wayne about the unusually tame white hen turkey who had let me pet her incredibly soft white plumage in return of a heads-in first dibs on the corn and later went wild over the black banana which I had sliced up skin and all, he told me all about Hannah. She had been a spoiled pet until she got huffy when the fellow didn't share part of his lunch with her as was customary. She thrashed and clawed him about the head in a vicious tantrum. W & G ended up with her and had let her have free run of the yard until she also attacked Gayle who was innocently milking goats at the time. Gayle said that Hannah became a regular penned turkey from that very day forth. They noted that Hannah had lost a lot of that rude-itude once she was demoted to joe average yard bird and forced to keep the company of other turkeys but that she still has her testy moments..
Above is Hannah working on an attitude. They warned me to watch for this telltale sign of blustering and puffing up. The advice was well taken and I left the coop immediately after taking this photo. My face and limbs had endured enough fang and claw attacks that I have little interest in tempting fate.After I told Wayne about Hannah's mad obsession with banana slices, he rechristened her "Hannah Banana". That name is a definite keeper.
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A friend sent me a collection of cute critters expressing various sentiments. I liked this one the best:.
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26 comments:
Screen is all blurred for some reason.
Damn.
Beautiful baby. Beautiful friends. Of which you are one.
big hug,
B.
I just have to say that after your taking some warranted time away from writing for the blog, you definitely did not lose your skill with words and the talent for conveying feelings through the choice of phrases and word pictures. Very much enjoyed the tale of Hannah Banana as well as the introduction to Virgil and your comments about Earl and the other gas field angels.
J & S
As I think about all the GOOD people mentioned by name in your blog, I can't help but remember all that they have done to make it easier to live "off the grid" and now in your new home. I know Virgil and Jenny have been there quite frequently so a hearty congratulations to them on their new daughter and a major "Thank You" from us. Always keep those individuals in the front of your mind and heart - let go of the negative ones. One thing for certain good, honest and very helpful friends have come your way and undoubtedly will continue to come.
Love,
Sue
Turkeys as pets? Who'd a thunk it? I just gotta ask, coz "conventional wisdom" sez the birds are among the dumbest creatures alive... true?
And ya... you've still got your touch when it comes to writing, Lin. Thanks for this.
Brigid, I think that blurry screen had something to do with Blogger because I experienced the same thing when I was trying to write that update. It's not too bad right now so they must have fixed the problem.
Thank you, dear friend, I feel the same way about you, you know.
J&S, I think I just lucked out with a small window of writing inspiration in the general slump of late. And I wanted to thank you both for being my biggest and most patient cheer-leading team after your brother left us - your consistent encouragement has been such a needed help in the midst of the ongoing frustrations and dead ends. Love you guys dearly.
Sue, I certainly have had the blessing of some incredible folks behind me since life turned surreal. You have certainly been right up there in not pigeon-holing me away somewhere.
Love, Lin
Buck, grin ... I've heard the same, especially about domesticated turkeys. The first time Hannah decides to bloody the hand that feeds her, she will join the idiot ranks of the 'shoot yourself in the foot' club. Certainly no more bananas for Ms. Bird-brain. Right now, I am granting them as much intellect as goldfish but maybe not as much as frogs.
That is one beautiful baby girl. So sweet!!!
As for the pets and animals, I stay away from all of them. We have a mean Billy goat right now, but I think he's headed back to the auction.
Virgils either very large or the bubs on the small side. Adorable though. The cat kind of reminds me of our old Vince.
Turkeys- you're a generous woman. Hannah didn't know how good she had it, did she? What a sweet baby girl, and Virgil looks like such a nice man.
You're one of my rare gems, dearest. :)
A1, I sure hope that Virgil's mom reads your comment about their new grandchild. Myself, I am normally as impressed with babies as I am with other people's critters but that little girl knocked me clear out.
Glad to hear that you have gotten any Noah's Ark Syndrome out of your system as well ... must be the wisdom that comes with age and aches. Sure worked for me.
She was a tiny wee babby, Alex, just now catching up to the rest of the pack.
That little cat was one of Brou's playmates when we first saw them over at Earl's place. It was in that big knot of red Aussie puppies, that occasional orange spot mixed in, just like watching clothes tumble around in a dryer.
Phlegmmy, need any turkey feathers for projects? I'll even let you pluck your own!
Virgil is definitely a stellar young man. It wouldn't have been the same without him dropping into our lives out there. The anti-neighbor helped get him transferred out when I made the mistake of telling her how much he meant to us. Ya learn.
What a sweet tiny baby!!! Almost makes me wish for another (then I remember that I just got the last one potty trained...)
Welcome back, Lin, you awesome writer with a great, big heart. Great post! I just heard from my NM friends. They expect to be living in their Chama cabin fully by 17 & 18 July so I'll probably be their first guest! Can't wait to be in my favorite state (don't tell my Mom in AL I said that)!! Belle
Your words move me, as always.
I thought turkeys were dumb enough to drown in the rain...is that true?
Hannah's plumage certainly looks soft, but I'd be too afraid to touch!
Thanks for sharing, Lin.
Jenny, from what I've heard, women soon forget the middle-of-the-night yowlings and the diapers and potty training when they see a sweet little face like this one. Now I can see why - especially since they say she has been the easiest little angel to take care of.
Oh Belle, let me know when you're heading out to Chama! This new place would be a fairly convenient stopover on the way and, oh surely, I will have the guest bed out of the 45 footer, maybe even have the kitchen project completed by then.
And I won't squeal to your mom about you preferring NM (because I agree) but Mushy just might.
Christine, I've seen the turkeys standing out in the rain before with no ill effects so I have to wonder about that folk tale myself.
I can't say that I'd trust Hannah either after hearing her history and she does make me a little wary when she tries to get beak to nose with me. That's when I gently grasp her neck (with the option of grasping fatally if need be) and move her to one side. If you get out this way, I will hold her accordingly while you get in a good few pets. She really is amazingly soft. If she pushes her luck, I could have her stuffed as a throw pillow perhaps.
Thank you, Lin.
And thanks for caring, Cat. I know I haven't been very noticeable lately but my quiet time here has been helping me rebound by degree.
great post and photo of the new born . made me smile!
Man, I'd eat that bird if it gave me any shit. Or maybe, tie it up in the front yard, like a watch dog. Keep the neighbor kids from playin' in the yard.
Oh Simon, she really is a tiny angel chipped off her parent's block.
FHB, she's too old and tough to cook but I'd bet she would indeed make a great watch bird. Maybe even knock Brou and Daisy down a peg or four and show them how it's really done.
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