How to Keep a Turkey From Flying Away

August 19, 2010

Two days ago at the farm, the early morning was so beautiful. Once again, the cool mist of evening was hanging like a veil until the heat of the sun caused it to vanish. I really like to explore and enjoy the farm before getting into my car and heading off to work in New York City. Later that day, Jason Hayes, from my friend, Michael Steinhardt's estate, came to visit. He brought with him Inbal and Itamar, the Steinhardt’s chefs who are visiting from Israel and Shaun, my gardener, was happy to give them a tour of the garden.

Jason also wanted to give Shaun a lesson on how to clip turkey wings. You may recall my blog from earlier this month when Jason delivered six heritage breed turkeys. Because turkeys are able to fly, those birds have been confined to the caged yard. We wanted to allow them free range in the fenced-in grassy area. However, because it has an open top, the turkeys would be able to fly away. Clipping the wings, a painless procedure, prevents the birds from taking flight. Take a look and see how it’s done.

: Another early misty morning at the farm.

: The days have been very hot, but it cools down nicely at night.

: I never tire of this view.

: Inbal was intrigued with a hanging succulent in the greenhouse.

: Down in the chicken coops, Inbar and Itamar admired my many unusual breeds of chickens.

: Jason found this Bourbon Red turkey hiding in one of the coops – this heritage breed is one of the most beautiful of all turkey varieties.

: Jason asked Shaun to assist him with the wing clipping.

: This procedure doesn’t hurt the turkey at all. It’s like getting a hair cut.

: With sharp scissors, you simply cut off about five-inches of feather, right through the shaft.

: With the feather ends missing, the turkey cannot get lift to fly.

: The next Bourbon Red – The wing tips and the back one half of the tail are white giving it a very striking appearance.

: Itamar jumps in to help – The Bourbon Red has a rich, chestnut color that is edged in black on many of the feathers.

: A nice clean cut

: And now for a Royal Palm, a striking looking turkey, with a white base color and most feathers banded with a bright metallic black color.

: Very curious as to what is going on

: The tail feathers of the Royal Palm – The contrast of this black/white combination is truly radiant.

: Shaun was trying to corner the turkeys.

: And the Pomeranian geese were raising a ruckus!

: Shaun grabbed a Black Spanish.

: Black Spanish turkeys are solid black with a beautiful greenish luster and no barring. They originated in Europe and are quite hard to find.

: Very beautiful feathers

: This was the very first time that Inbal had seen rhubarb growing in a garden. She was amazed at the size of the plant’s leaves, which, by the way, are poisonous!

: She especially interested in these tiny spoon tomatoes.

: They are so very sweet.

: And entirely irresistible!

: Itamar was surprised that purslane is considered to be a weed by many. In Israel, purslane is used in tzatziki, a classic yogurt sauce found in Mediterranean cuisine.