I had always thought that the turkeys that looked like hens, but had a beard, were immature toms. But, one day I was doing a little research on wild turkeys and found out, much to my surprise, that 10 to 20 percent of hens have a beard.
So, in the little band of five Turkey Ladies, we're about right on percentage in that one of the five has the beard. At least, I can tell her from the others.
11 comments:
That's almost funny Louise, I wonder what the odds are about female humans? Lots of us gals have mustaches or chin whiskers, hee hee!
Good Morning to Ya!
I don't have a beard but my mom, Narcissa does! Weeeee! I'll have to ask my lady if she has one.
Now that is something I didn't know! thanks Louise. How big are these birds?
Jim
Jim, the hens are smaller than the toms. They can range from 7 to 12 pounds(3.2 to 5.4 kg). The ladies that frequent my feeder seem pretty big, so I would guess that they are on the heavier side. Toms can weigh from 11 to 24 lbs(5.0 to 10.9 kg) I haven't seen the toms since Spring, so I don't really have a guess as to how big they are around here.
Well, that's interesting ! Each time we have a flock in the garden, I tell my SIL how many Toms we had. but not necessarily the case...hmmmm.
They have beautiful colors, and you have captured them perfectly !
In my domestic Bourbon Reds, the hens never have beards so that's interesting that some wild girls do.
News to me too! I'll have to look more closely at my visitors next time they show up.
Well of course your ladies are heavier - look at all the yummy food they get at your place! Turkey heaven!
Perhaps she is of good "peasant stock" or over a certain age
I am both and yup dealing with those bonus facial sprouts is not fun
though in the bird above I suspect it might be a male
has a knob ( bridge of bill) and a bit of a wattle
It will be interesting to keep an eye on it.
These are great pictures!! And you've taught an old turkey something new!! (By the way, I don't have a beard...) ;-)))
Wow, did not know that. Thanks for info. And I do love learning something new everyday. yay for the Turkey ladies.
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