To date we have lost 4 of the baby turkeys, and two more look like they may not make it. There is no obvious reason for their death, but the reality is that baby turkeys are delicate. Given the numbers 4 out of 35 is not bad, since its just over 10% it would be considered "normal".
Here's an interesting point to consider. Is it ultimately better to try to save weak baby animals or should nature be allowed to play out as it would in the wild? In my opinion this depends on the goal. For animals intended for only slaughter, it would be worth while to go to some effort in giving special treatment to save them, but within limits. Remember, a farm is still a business that must make a profit in the end or it can not exist. So its worth while to expend enough time and money on an animal to save it as long as in the end it will still be profitable. At the point that the effort to save a single animal exceeds the animal;s worth on the market, it is best to let nature play out. This is a case where I believe man should limit his involvement in altering the natural course of nature.
On the other hand, if an animal is intended to be breeding stock the argument changes. For a small farm, the animals kept for breeding must be the absolute best genetics possible. Particular animals may have genetic differences that make them less "sturdy". If those animals are given special treatment in order to survive, the weakness will become part of the farm's genetic makeup for generations and the animals produces will be more prone to problems. This is where natural selection helps the farmer. By allowing natural selection to separate the genetic "defective" animals the farm is ensured healthier, happier, and more consistent offspring in the future. This is how nature improves the species and removes genetic defects in the wild and the farm is most productive when nature is followed, not altered.
With birds this process in nature is very obvious. As soon as any bird shows signs of weakness in any way, the other birds actually start attacking it in various ways. This could be played out by preventing the weak animal from eating, or even by direct attacks. Either way, the reality of nature is the weak do not survive, but this is actually for the good of the group by ensuring that the weakest never breed. Genetics are ultimately the deciding factor in the success of a flock, so genetics must be preserved at all cost in nature.
So, bottom line is, this particular flock of turkeys is intended for both breeding and slaughter, so we are going to let nature show us which are the strongest animals. It is sad and hurts my heart every time one dies, but it is a necessary part of farm life.
UPDATE:
Unfortunatley we lost 2 more baby turkeys today. That brings the total left down to 29.
Follow along our adventure as we make the transition from corporate city life to the world of natural farming. Each day brings a new experience and brings us to a deeper understanding about the life and spirit that made America great. At our farm we do our best to give the animals we raise a natural, free, happy, stressfree lifestyle. Our mission is to learn and share how to manage a farming operation that is both profitable and humane.
Can humans learn something from turkeys? We are raising and conditioning humans to be dysfunctional (unlike turkeys who are born that way). All these social programs are creating a class of (for lack of a better word) parasites, that depend on the remaining members of society to supply them with life resources.
ReplyDeleteI view this a bit differently. While I agree with your statement on the generations raised to expect others to provide for them, I don't see turkeys as dysfunctional. On the contrary, for their purpose the social order of turkeys (all birds actually) fits perfectly. Let me explain.
ReplyDeleteBirds go beyond survival of the fittest. Their social order is survival of only the fit. As soon as a member of society exhibits any weakness, the others take him out. Ever wonder why you seldom a sick bird? Because sickness is not tolerated. Cruel? Not if you consider the purpose.. . Survival of a very delicate creature that flocks on groups. If sickness was allowed, the flock would quickly fail as a society. When you can see it from their point of view, this is the only mechanism they have to preserve the society and the species.
So actually one could say that turkey are functional, working hard to preserve and better their society. Humans on the other hand have fallen dysfunctional. ... working mostly to exist off others at all cost to society.