date:Nov 29, 2012
turkeys headed to slaughter increased 57 percent from 1965 to 2005, from 18 to 28.2 pounds. Gobbler, known as the vice turkey by Mount Vernon staff, weighs 43 pounds.
These birds are very large and are not meant to live very long, so keeping them healthy beyond the limitations of their bodies can be tricky, said Lisa Pregent, the livestock manager for Mount Vernon Estate, Museum Gardens. Every day these birds are checked over by Livestock staff members to make sure they are eating, drinking,