On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:35:52 -0800 (PST), Nancy2
> wrote:

>Big birds are good, if you can eventually use it all. The bones weigh the same, more or less, in every size bird,
>so you get more for the money in a big bird. At least that is what I have read multiple times over the years.

Actually not. The meat to bone ratio is more economical
with smaller birds, a tom will have significately less meat to bone
than a hen. For those having a large gathering I suggest two hens
rather than one tom, and a bird at each end of a long table is much
easier to serve and I think makes a nicer presentation. Two smaller
birds are easy to roast in an oven at the same time too, also
takes less roasting time. Smaller birds are much easier to carve. And
two birds give four drumsticks and four wings, for those who desire
them.
I purchased my turkey today, a 15 pound hen, plenty enough for my cats
too.