Margaret Mahaney Talks About Turkeys

Margaret Mahaney’s account invites listeners into the world of early twentieth‑century poultry farming, where a determined nurse turned her health‑crisis into a groundbreaking experiment with turkeys. She recounts how, against the advice of established agricultural experts, she built a thriving flock, confronting the dreaded blackhead disease and achieving astonishingly low mortality rates. The narrative blends personal memoir with clear, step‑by‑step guidance on breeding, housing, feeding, and disease prevention, all delivered in a warm, conversational tone.

Listeners will learn the practical tricks that transformed a modest farm in Concord into a model that inspired growers from Maine to California. From selecting breeding stock to handling hatchlings, Mahaney’s methods emphasize observation, simple hygiene, and a surprising amount of care—like offering milk to the birds. The book remains a vivid portrait of perseverance and ingenuity, offering both historical insight and timeless advice for anyone curious about animal husbandry.