DENVER -- The Butterball Turkey Talk-line is ready to answer your turkey cooking questions now through Dec. 25.

The Turkey Talk-line experts can answer questions about thawing, stuffing, food safety, when to start cooking, what to do if the turkey catches fire, when to know the turkey is done and much more. The hotline is staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain time most days. On Thanksgiving, experts are available from 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Mountain time. The phone is 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372). Experts can handle questions in English and Spanish.

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line opened 29 years ago with six home economists answering 11,000 phone calls in the first year. Now there are more than 50 professionally trained, college-educated home economists and nutritionists, who respond to more than 100,000 questions each November and December.

Butterball's Web site has a list of frequently asked questions with answers. Examples:

1. How long can I keep my turkey once it is open? Turkey lunchmeats should be refrigerated before and after opening. Once the package is opened, expect to keep the meat 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you’ve cooked a turkey or a roast, wrap leftovers and refrigerate within two hours. Again, finish the leftovers within 2 to 3 days of refrigerating.

2. How do I thaw a turkey? Here's a link with advice on thawing in the refrigerator and in cold water. The Web site says do not ever thaw a turkey at room temperature, as this allows for bacterial growth and is never recommended.

3. How long do I thaw a turkey (or cook a turkey?) Use this link and enter your turkey's size to find out.