OT: Preserving whole turkeys

alaskanassasin

 We are raising 10 turkeys. I was told that they were hard to raise and a few would invariably die, however here we are still with ten.

 I have two questions. What percentage of weight will be lost during dress out, I am thinking around 30% so if were shooting for around 15 lb turkeys in the oven we should haul them in when they get around 20-21 lbs.

 Also does anyone have any recommendations on how to prep them for the freezer?  I have a foodsaver but the bags obviously are not big enough. 

  Thanks

jtcBoynton

Foodsaver has expandable bags that may be what you need. May need to split the bird into halves. Worth looking into.

According to the box, you can fit up to a 23lb turkey in the bags.

SSQUAL612

Your post made me remember this thread...hope this helps.  I'm sure you could PM the OP for any questions, but looks like he knows a thing or two about the topic.

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1209038/from-egg-to-egg/p1

jeffwit

SSQUAL612 said:

Your post made me remember this thread...hope this helps.  I'm sure you could PM the OP for any questions, but looks like he knows a thing or two about the topic.

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1209038/from-egg-to-egg/p1

I haven’t seen @kl8ton post in quite a while. 

SSQUAL612

jeffwit said:

SSQUAL612 said:

Your post made me remember this thread...hope this helps.  I'm sure you could PM the OP for any questions, but looks like he knows a thing or two about the topic.

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1209038/from-egg-to-egg/p1

I haven’t seen @kl8ton post in quite a while. 

Profile shows last active at 6:37AM and his last comment was April 21...wouldn't hurt for OP to PM and see.  

alaskanassasin

PM sent, Thanks.

kl8ton

I did send Mr. assassin am back.  For all interested, we used these for the turkeys and smaller ones for the chickens. 

https://www.cornerstone-farm.com/poultry-packaging/18x32-shrink-bag-individual/

They have a you tube video on how to use the product. 

We did have some processed by a local farm and they have a large chamber sealer which is awesome.  I saw a 42lb turkey that fit in it. 

Also assassin, I am not sure on the weights.  I did not weigh before and after.  

I didn't lose any turkeys either! 

If you have any other questions I am here to help!