Heritage turkeys are great for backyard production, either for food production for the family, or as extra income. Bourbon Red turkeys for sale are great for backyard or free range pasture production. They eat insects and any plants they can find. They also like veggies and fruit. Supplemental food spread in the coop at night will train free range poultry to return to the coop to roost at night.
Pennsylvania settlers developed Tuscarora Reds (or Tuscawara Reds) by breeding only the darkest Buff turkeys. Tuscarora Reds were carried to Kentucky and Ohio during the late 1800s. J. F. Barbee is given credit for creating the Bourbon Reds, sometimes called Kentucky Red Bourbons or Butternut turkeys, by crossbreeding Tuscarora Reds, White Hollands, and Standard Bronzes. The American Poultry Association officially recognized the breed around 1909.
Bourbon Reds were a popular choice for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table during the 1930's and 1940's. Today the Broad Breasted White Turkey is the exclusive breed used in mass production, sold at every grocery store. After a dramatic decline in population, Bourbon Reds are slowly recovering, although still considered a rare breed. Individuals and small producers specializing in heritage birds find these turkeys easy to raise. They retain their wild cousins natural instincts for mating and breeding, as well as the wild turkey's ability to fly.
Breeders are working to bring the bird back to its original standards, but at this point in time, weight and size vary considerably. Original standards set a weight of 8.2 kilograms, or 18 pounds for the hens, 15 kilograms or 33 pounds for the males. Recommended weight for a bird to be slaughtered is at least 23 pounds or 10.4 kilograms for toms, 14 pounds or 6.3 kilograms for the hens.
This is an attractive bird, flaunting a red plumage with white flight and tail feathers. Tail feathers sport red bars across the ends. Breast and neck feathers are chestnut mahogany. Undercolor feathers are light buff to white. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, darker at the base. They also sport a black beard, a red wattle, pink toes and shanks.
Provide about 4 feet of feeding space to prevent food fights. This can be accomplished by setting up multiple feeding stations or by spreading feed across a wide area on the ground. Provide a coop for shelter in storms and protection from predators at night. Day time pastures should be fenced to protect from day time predators.
Coops should be raked daily and disinfected monthly. Small yards will need to be raked daily to clean away feces. Water should be available 24 hours a day. Rotate birds between pastures for cleanliness, health, and management of the pasture.
Friendly Bourbon Reds will come running to you at feeding time. They might even follow you around the pasture and get underfoot with their curious nature. They're a sturdy bird suitable for any climate as long as there's adequate shelter. They live 5-10 years. They mate and breed naturally. They're ready for the table after 6 months, although a little older and fatter is preferred for best taste. Meat is tasty and tender with a mix of dark and white meat. Their eggs are edible, but very hard to crack.
Pennsylvania settlers developed Tuscarora Reds (or Tuscawara Reds) by breeding only the darkest Buff turkeys. Tuscarora Reds were carried to Kentucky and Ohio during the late 1800s. J. F. Barbee is given credit for creating the Bourbon Reds, sometimes called Kentucky Red Bourbons or Butternut turkeys, by crossbreeding Tuscarora Reds, White Hollands, and Standard Bronzes. The American Poultry Association officially recognized the breed around 1909.
Bourbon Reds were a popular choice for the Thanksgiving or Christmas table during the 1930's and 1940's. Today the Broad Breasted White Turkey is the exclusive breed used in mass production, sold at every grocery store. After a dramatic decline in population, Bourbon Reds are slowly recovering, although still considered a rare breed. Individuals and small producers specializing in heritage birds find these turkeys easy to raise. They retain their wild cousins natural instincts for mating and breeding, as well as the wild turkey's ability to fly.
Breeders are working to bring the bird back to its original standards, but at this point in time, weight and size vary considerably. Original standards set a weight of 8.2 kilograms, or 18 pounds for the hens, 15 kilograms or 33 pounds for the males. Recommended weight for a bird to be slaughtered is at least 23 pounds or 10.4 kilograms for toms, 14 pounds or 6.3 kilograms for the hens.
This is an attractive bird, flaunting a red plumage with white flight and tail feathers. Tail feathers sport red bars across the ends. Breast and neck feathers are chestnut mahogany. Undercolor feathers are light buff to white. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, darker at the base. They also sport a black beard, a red wattle, pink toes and shanks.
Provide about 4 feet of feeding space to prevent food fights. This can be accomplished by setting up multiple feeding stations or by spreading feed across a wide area on the ground. Provide a coop for shelter in storms and protection from predators at night. Day time pastures should be fenced to protect from day time predators.
Coops should be raked daily and disinfected monthly. Small yards will need to be raked daily to clean away feces. Water should be available 24 hours a day. Rotate birds between pastures for cleanliness, health, and management of the pasture.
Friendly Bourbon Reds will come running to you at feeding time. They might even follow you around the pasture and get underfoot with their curious nature. They're a sturdy bird suitable for any climate as long as there's adequate shelter. They live 5-10 years. They mate and breed naturally. They're ready for the table after 6 months, although a little older and fatter is preferred for best taste. Meat is tasty and tender with a mix of dark and white meat. Their eggs are edible, but very hard to crack.
About the Author:
If you are looking for bourbon red turkeys for sale click the link to Rusty Duck Lane in Bozeman, Montana. For details on our chickens and Nigerian Dwarf Goats, visit us at http://www.rustyducklane.com today.
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