But wait...there's one more. You haven't heard about the Farm Graduation ceremony... apologies for not getting the announcement out in time for you to attend. It happened so quickly, we barely had time to get there ourselves...
The Einstein flock spent several weeks in the brooder house, after moving from the backporch pen. At almost 6 weeks old, almost fully feathered (wait - do they get head feathers? I think they remain bald...where's that book...) they now have made the move to the Strawbale Poultry house.
The final step for Graduation to complete turkey-hood: outdoor pen. But these birds FLY. Very capably. At any excuse. Don't sneeze anywhere close to them...
So Carrie and Collin gently administered the final ceremony (in lieu of cap-throwing): wing clipping. One wing has the primary flight feathers removed, about 2/3 of the full wing amount.
The theory being, with only one working wing, they can't get airborne...or at least only fly in a limited one-way circle with little elevation...can't you just picture that one...
And finally: OUTDOORS! On real pasture. CONGRATULATIONS! Young Einsteins, you made it!
Several made their way immediately to the fence and started to peck at a daisy bud through the mesh. The small white bud bobbed back and forth as each bird took a peck at it. I don't think they ever actually got a grip on it...It seemed they didn't fully grasped that they were FREE. They have spent much time trying to fly over barriers, or pecking at window panes to get to the other side. It must be better on the other side of where ever they are, right? Turkeys have a curiosity rivaling monkeys.
You have an acre of pasture, Einsteins. Go forth and explore your new world. You have graduated to your final destination.
Well, maybe not. It's 156 days to Thanksgiving...
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