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Last night I was awakened by a loud chirping at 2:00 am.I got up, being careful not to awaken my husband, and got the flashlight. It was the sound of the first arrival of Blue Slate Turkey poults hatching. We set 36 eggs from our current breeders to hatch for future breeding stock. Yes, we keep the small incubator in the bedroom, doesn't everyone?? I have since moved him along with 5 of his brothers and sisters out to the brooder house. They will be a staggered hatch which will continue for about 4 days. The Blue Slate turkey is considered critically endangered by the American Livestock Breed Association. They are heritage turkeys. Although we can still acquire some from a couple of hatcheries, we decided to hatch our own due to their cost. Here is a photo of one of the first to emerge.
