Corey Thomas shows off the turkeys he's raised in 4-H. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Hello, my name is Corey Thomas, age 15, sophomore at Kelseyville High School. I’m in Kelseyville 4-H and participating in the poultry project where I raise turkeys, two of which will be going to the Lake County Fair for showmanship and auction.

This was my first year in 4-H and my first time raising turkeys.

With the help of my group leader, Karen Hayes, I purchased my first turkeys and raised them from week-old poults.

My family and I also decided that besides raising the popular broad-breasted birds that we all eat at Thanksgiving, we should start a couple of flocks of rare American heritage turkey breeds whose existence is threatened because they are no longer grown commercially.

We now have a flock each of Narragansetts and Bourbon Reds. These birds grow more slowly than broad-breasted turkeys and if our flocks breed successfully, some of these beautiful birds may be available next year.