Does any one know of a source for Royal Palm Turkeys? Murray McMurray used to carry them but are no longer listed in the catalog. Does any one think they may be an alternative to the great big birds usually found on the talbe at thanksgiving?

-- Okie-Dokie (www.tommycflinstone@aol.com), July 01, 2000

Answers

Privett Hatchery in New Mexico carries Royal Palms. 1-800-634-4390

Here's a list of hatcheries. Many carry turkeys, but you'll have to call/e-mail (many aren't very quick to e-mail!!) to see if they have what you want:

http://www.poultryconnection.com/hatchery.html

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), July 01, 2000.

Another sourced is Stromberg's at 218-587-2222. 15 poults cost $100, plus shipping. However, poults shouldn't be raised with chickens, or where even chickens have been recently. They carry a disease called blackhead which will kill young poults. Adults are immune from it. I had a pair of Royal Palms last year. The tom really had a personality and would go up on the road and gobble at every vehicle which came by. Coyote apparently got both of them. I now have a pair of what might be Bronze. Both of them go visiting the neighbors. You may get so attached, they won't end up on your Thanksgiving table.

-- Ken Scharabok (scharabo@aol.com), July 01, 2000.

Look up Rare Heritage Turkeys on the Yahoo groups. Several private breeders have Royal Palm. I like heritage turkeys because they can breed, do not have as many leg problems and come in many rare breeds.

-- Brenda (heritage_feathers_farm@yahoo.com), July 10, 2001.