i know turkeys have a reputation for being ‘ugly’ but like…they just ARENT. look at them
Tag: backyard birds
the blue slate turkey is a heritage turkey breed descended from domesticated wild turkeys from mexico. blue slates are large (females are around 14 pounds, and males around 20-25), but do not reach the same size as commercially bred turkeys; they are usually admired for their plumage. although these turkeys can be slate blue, black, and white, only the slate blue color is acceptable for bird showing standards.
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the broad breasted white is the most widely commercially used turkey; they are bred exclusively for meat production. these turkeys are so heavy that they mainly are bred through artificial insemination, as they cannot typically naturally mate, and are also flightless. even if spared from slaughter, broad breasted whites typically only live to around two years old; they suffer from obesity-related issues such as heart disease. they have an incredibly fast growth rate, and typically reach 35-40 pounds.
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a mother hen leads her chicks across a parking lot. chickens are precocial, meaning from the moment they hatch, they are able to walk around and feed themselves. chicks are still dependent on their mother, and follow her around for their first few weeks of life.
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indigo buntings are a small member of the cardinal family found in north america (and south america during the winter). in fall and winter, the male and female buntings look the same, but in spring males molt into striking blue plumage.
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gardening for birds resources
a list of helpful sources and tips about making your garden bird friendly! (note: some of these may be north america centric as that’s where i live + know the most resources from) there’s resources regardless of garden size, location, or weather! with increasing habitat loss for all kinds of birds, it’s growing more important to create backyard habitats.
audubon’s native plants database
designing a bird-friendly garden
10 plants for a bird-friendly yard
guide to birdscaping your garden
landscaping with birds in mind
attracting more backyard birds
attracting birds for beginners
balcony gardens with native plants
food sources for birds without bird feeders
how to make your yard bird-friendly
loving birds from inside a glass house
todays birds are: this row of chicks!
this juvenile leucistic wild turkey was spotted in texas. leucistic animals have a lack of pigmentation; their eyesight and feathers are often weaker as a result.
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this is a silver laced polish chicken. this breed is known for being docile and friendly, though their extravagant feathers can cause vision problems. silver is one of many colors that polish chickens can be found in.
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this is a polish chicken of the buff laced color variety. polish chickens are a somewhat uncommon breed, but are recognizable due to their characteristic, puffy crest of feathers. polish chickens are small and generally docile but are known to have vision problems due to their feathers.
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today's bird 