Bourbon red turkeys are hardy birds and can adapt to a variety of climates and habitats. will they reproduce naturally? An 11.5 pound true heritage bird purchased from the highly regarded Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, for example, costs $136.99, or about $11.90 a pound. After about 25 days, the eggs will hatch. Females grow to about three feet. In 1909, a Bourbon Reds breed was accepted into the American Poultry Association, which was established in Kentucky. The Ultimate Guide to Raising Turkeys - Survival Sullivan However, because it has an open top, the turkeys would be able to fly away. We give them an A+ for motherhoodyou could call them brooding queens. Mine seem to be like chickens, some have died around 4 others are still going, my oldest are 6. Bourbon Red Turkeys lay an average of 80-100 eggs per year. Bourbon Red turkeys have a reputation for being excellent mothers, as they are attentive and protective of their young. PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to ship turkeys to Alaska. Store and prepare their meat properly. In case of breeding, they are highly dependent on selection by breeders. What Is The Best Age To Butcher A Turkey? - Family Farm Livestock On average they will lay between 50-100 depending on environment and what breed of turkey. Only a few of these are recognized by the American Poultry Association through inclusion in the Standard of Perfection. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; Bourbon Red turkeys are a wonderful addition to any homestead or farm. The throat wattle is red, changeable to bluish white, the beard is black, and shanks and toes are pink. By following these tips, you can successfully raise your own bourbon red turkeys. We recommend turkey starter feed (28% protein) til 8 weeks of age. Broad Breasted White or Bronze turkeys can grow from 20 to 30 pounds (females) in five months. And average live body weight of the mature hens is around 8.2 kg.[1]. Bourbon Red Turkey eggs should be collected daily and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be incubated. The first ship date for everything in your cart is, Bourbon Red Turkeys are a very dark, rich, chestnut color edged in black on many of the feathers. Mature 32 lbs. Feed Them a Healthy Diet: Like all animals, bourbon red turkeys need a balanced diet to stay healthy. Wide Ranging. Alcohol on the plane: how much can you drink on long flights? Firstly, the housing should be large enough to provide plenty of space for the turkeys to move around and exercise. Prices listed are for babies age 1-6 days old. Its important to change the water regularly to prevent contamination. 3. A healthy diet of grains, greens, and insects will help your bird grow to its full potential. By 2006, the count of heritage turkeys in the U.S. was up to 8,800 breeding birds. The clutch refers to a batch of eggs. Generally one tom is enough for breeding 5 hens. About Bourbon Red Turkeys: Distinguished Meat Birds - MorningChores Bourbon Red Turkeys can live up to 10 years in ideal conditions. A post shared by Tanya Klocker (@raffieandfriends_bybfg). The shanks and feet are a deep reddish horn in young birds, becoming pink with maturity. Bourbon Red Turkeys. In general, a female turkey will reach maturity in 5 to 6 months and begin laying eggs. Yes, the bourbon reds can reproduce naturally. Thinking about getting turkey and have some questions. What are the stages of a turkeys life cycle? The ideal breeding age for Bourbon Red Turkeys is between 1 and 3 years old. It is time to raise the temperature to 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) and increase the humidity to 75%. This growth rate is identical to that of the commercial varieties of the first half of the 20th century.[7]. Also, try not to wear or carry objects that are bright blue or red, similar to the color displays on a mature tom's head. Although the status of the ocellated turkeys is near threatened, they can be purchased and even hunted down. The shanks and feet are salmon-colored. Your email address appears to be invalid. [7], Except for a few flocks of toms kept for semen production, commercial turkeys generally never live past the point at which they reach market weight. Keep Them Healthy: Be sure to regularly check your turkeys for signs of illness and contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns. Bourbon Red Turkeys can tolerate temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but they prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Buy Bourbon Red Turkeys For Sale - #1 Trusted Vendor [3], Along with the adoption of the Broad Breasted White by industrial producers, other turkey varieties faded in numbers. adElem.style.top = '10px'; Currently, there are fewer than 5,000 Bourbon Red Turkey birds bred in the United States. They keep the poults far away from the Toms, who will kill . Mothers are incredibly devoted, getting off their eggs very few times to eat or drink during the entire incubation period, which lasts roughly 28 days. Bourbon Red Turkey require a quality feed free of fillers and GMOs. Its important to ensure that the incubator is set at the correct temperature and humidity levels to ensure successful hatching. What is the size of a Bourbon Red Turkey? [2], The Bourbon Red is included in the Ark of Taste of the international Slow Food Foundation. So you can keep around 15 hens. So, if you want to raise them yourself, there wouldnt be much to worry about. [9] Heritage turkeys are closer in taste to wild turkeys, but are several pounds larger. Provide nesting boxes. Turkeys require a high-protein diet, especially during their early stages of growth. Heritage turkeys can live a long time. Bourbon Reds are surprisingly friendly and outgoing birds, which makes them an excellent choice for people looking for an outgoing bird to interact with. The breed was named for the Kentucky county where it was first bred, and it is one of the oldest turkey breeds in the country. Place roosts no more than 18 inches from the ground whenever possible. They are a seasonal layer, which means they only lay eggs during the spring and early summer. Regularly clean and disinfect their housing and outdoor area to prevent the spread of disease and parasites. Bourbon Red Turkeys do need space to move around and exercise, but the exact amount of space required can depend on the number of birds and the size of the enclosure. Best 20 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Cheeto Puffs? The chicks are born covered in down and are able to walk and feed themselves within a few hours. The growth of young turkey flocks is faster than that of most other poultry types, and they require more protein. About Slate Turkeys: Heritage and Endangered Meat Producers, About Beltsville Small White Turkeys: Perfect For Small Scale Meat Production, The 3 Stages to Successfully Raising Turkeys on Pasture, 9 Reasons Why Raising Turkeys Might Not Be Right For Some Homesteaders, The Benefits and Concerns of Raising Turkey Poults with Chickens, The Shortcuts to Raising Turkeys for Profit, Beginners Guide to Raising Turkey From Poults in Your Backyard, Bronze Turkey: The Domesticated Wild Turkey. The hens so far have been very good mothers. These turkeys are considered an American classic and are commonly kept for meat production since they produce flavorful, high quality, lean and tender meat. The Bourbon Red Turkey is a breed of turkey that is well-known for its reddish-brown feathers and distinctive, sweet flavor. For now, feel free to continue reading. Bourbon Red turkeys are a medium-sized breed, with mature toms weighing around 25 pounds and hens weighing around 16 pounds. Bourbon Red Turkeys are friendly, cold hardy and self-reliant. The wing primaries and secondaries are white, as are the main tail feathers. How long does the Red Bourbon take to mature? Raising Turkeys: How to Raise Turkeys for Meat and Profit - MorningChores A fully matured tom turkey can weigh up to 32 pounds. Black Turkey: Great Meat Producers for Small Farm, How to Butcher a Turkey For the Freezer or Thanksgiving, About Midget White Turkeys: Unusually Small, but Charming Birds, About White Holland Turkeys: A Rapidly Declining Heritage Variety, Beginners Guide to Raising Turkeys in Your Backyard for Meat and Profit, 12 Odd Tips on Raising Heritage Breed Turkeys You Need to Know, About Royal Palm Turkeys: Not All Turkeys Are Just for Meat, About Narragansett Turkeys: An Older And Showier Turkey Variety, Turkey Anatomy: Revealing the Mysteries of Snood, Caruncle, Wattle, and More. There are four stages to a turkey life style: egg, poult, juvenile and adult. Bourbon Red turkeys are good foragers and enjoy free-ranging in a safe and secure outdoor area. Either as purebreds or if crossed with white turkey, their foraging ability remain same. Are they good guardians to a flock? Some breeds, such as the Narragansett, had less than a dozen individuals left, and many considered most heritage turkeys to be beyond hope. Male wild turkeys grow to about four feet long, including the tail. Bourbon Red turkeys are often used in gourmet cooking, as their meat is considered a delicacy. Bourbon Reds are gorgeously feathered, touting rusty red and white plumage. They have a slower growth rate than commercial breeds, which means their meat has a richer flavor and a firmer texture. Hi Im new here and hoping someone could help me identify the sex of my ducklings! Bourbon Reds reach sexual maturity between 7 and 8 months of age but generally won't begin laying until the spring after they hatched. We will get back to you via email as soon as possible. No need to worry about your turkeys getting away, as domesticated turkeys cannot fly. And be willing to pay for it, since $4.49 a pound is less than you will pay for a true heritage turkey. They have a lifespan of around 7-10 years, which means they are a long-lived breed. When selecting Bourbon Red turkey chicks, make sure they are healthy, active, and free from deformities. The Farm Guide To Raising Bourbon Red Turkey - Farm Otter Bourbon Red Turkeys require a balanced diet, access to clean water, and a clean and dry living environment. The standard weight for young hens is 14 pounds and toms are 23 pounds. Many small-scale homesteaders adore Bourbon Red turkey meat because it is primarily produced for meat production. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Best 23 Feeding Tips, Can Dogs Eat Skippy Peanut Butter? They are also known for their calm temperament and excellent meat quality. Why most folks don't mention this is beyond me! It is named for Bourbon County, Kentucky and also for its unique reddish plumage. adElemSticky.style.width = rect.width + 'px';
And currently the breed is one of the most popular heritage turkey breeds in the United States. The incubation period for Bourbon Red Turkey eggs is approximately 28 days. Good luck! Prices listed are for babies age 1-6 days old. Fully grown hens weigh approximately 18 pounds. Now we will share 23 tips for raising Bourbon Red turkeys. Then turkey grower feed (20-24%) from 9-16 weeks of age. Theyre also a pleasure to keep in your backyard due to their docile temperamentsbut they also have major instincts that can be a pain. Breeding birds require a diet that is higher in protein and essential nutrients. adElem.style.height = ''; }; Facts About Bourbon Red TurkeysTom (Male) Size 33 poundsHen ( Female) Size 18 poundsColor:Reddish BrownLifespan:10 years6 more rows Can Bourbon Red Turkeys Breed Naturally? Are Bourbon Red Turkeys prone to any health problems? Learn more. Why are turkeys genetically modified? | HowStuffWorks Because they can live and breed naturally, they are far more similar to commercial turkey species, which must be artificially inseminated and are frequently unable to reproduce. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? adElem.style.visibility = 'visible'; If you have heard of this lovely heritage breed and want to learn more, we think youll definitely be interested in the details. Place Eligible items in your cart. Its important to note that not all poultry feeds are suitable for turkeys. A heritage turkey is one of a variety of strains of domestic turkey which retains historic characteristics that are no longer present in the majority of turkeys raised for consumption since the mid-20th century. How long do bourbon red turkeys lay eggs? Heritage turkey - Wikipedia Bourbon red turkeys require plenty of space to roam and access to fresh, clean water at all times. When a tom turkey is fully matured, it can weigh up to 32 pounds. Culinary factors also contribute to the dearth of turkey egg consumption. Today the breed is raised mainly for meat production. The breed standard indicates that mature Bourbon Red toms (males) weigh 15 kilograms (33 pounds), and mature hens (females) weigh 8.2 kilograms (18 pounds). } And lastly, it should grow at a slow rate. Bourbon toms can get up to 23 lbs. Heritage turkeys are smaller than their commercially bred counterparts (which are all Broad Breasted Whites) and have a strongersome say gamyflavor. Didn't find what you need? They are made up of a high-quality meat and egg bird. The breeding stock for these birds are owned largely by three multinational corporations: Hybrid Turkeys of Ontario, Canada, British United Turkeys of America in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms in Sonoma, California. Originally from Bourbon County, Kentucky, the bourbon red turkeys are known for their beautiful red plumage and excellent taste. The babies are reddish, looking like a washed out redhead or a dirty brown color. The breed least likely to be successful is the Broad Breasted varieties. Chickens come into production at 19 to 20 weeks, while turkeys require 32 weeks. A wild turkey can live for up to 5 years, while a domesticated turkey can live for 10 years. We did lose my wife's BB White Holland Tom last Saturday and Mars hasn't been the same since so bare in mind they are very sensitive about that they are a social animal but do enjoy human contact. They are a slower growing breed, so they require more time and feed to reach slaughter weight. White Turkey: 21 Facts You Won't Believe! | Kidadl The Bourbon Red is known for its deep red color and its ability to reproduce naturally. 5. Bourbon Red turkeys are a dual-purpose breed, which means they are suitable for both meat and egg production. You are removing items from your wish list. As a general rule turkeys tend to dress at 75-80% of their body weight. var _footer = document.querySelector("#colophon"); The throat wattle is red, changeable to bluish white, and the beard is black. The Cost of Purchasing Poults Poults are rather pricey when purchasing them. What kind of climate is suitable for Bourbon Red Turkeys? The chicks will be able to go outside as soon as they reach six weeks old. Give Them a Place to Nest: Bourbon red turkeys like to nest in hay or straw. [2] Consequently, the birds are so heavy that they are completely incapable of reproducing without artificial insemination, and they reach such extreme weights so quickly their overall development fails to keep pace with their rapidly accruing muscle mass, resulting in severe immune system, cardiac, respiratory and leg problems. As a result of selection for this single trait, 70% of the weight of mass market turkeys is in their breast. Bourbon Red Turkeys should be allowed to mature before breeding. How long do turkeys naturally live? - BackYard Chickens New to group need help gendering my golden 300 ducklings! The birds begin to lay eggs at seven months of age and spend the majority of their lives laying in the spring and fall. How many eggs do Bourbon Red Turkeys lay in a year? Follow safe handling and cooking procedures to ensure the safety and quality of the meat. The weight posted is an approximate "live" weight at maturity. (function () { Bourbon Red turkeys are not as large as the White Holland or the Standard Bronze, weighing between 12 and 23 pounds. However, review full breed profile of the Bourbon Red turkey in the chart below. The feed should contain at least 20% protein, and its important to choose a feed that is specifically formulated for turkeys. Bourbon Red turkeys are known for their distinctive gobble, which is deep and resonant. At what age do Bourbon Reds begin laying? Is A Heritage Turkey Worth It? | Northwest Edible Life adElemSticky.innerHTML = ''; Turkey hens can weigh between 9 and 11 pounds on average. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; And it is also included in Slow Food USAs Ark of Taste (a catalog of heritage American foods in danger of extinction). 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For those looking for a large bird that can be eaten quickly, these are the birds for you. If possible, allowing the turkeys to free-range can provide them with additional nutrition and exercise. What kind of bedding should be used for Bourbon Red Turkeys? The throat wattle is red, which is changeable to bluish white. A female turkeys eggs are large, but she is still able to incubate them completely because she is large. Feeding and Nutrition Young turkeys are rapid growers and require more protein than most poultry types. If you keep smaller livestock and would like to fatten your annual Thanksgiving bird up before the big day, the Bourbon Red Turkey might be just the right fit for your farm. As they grow, Bourbon Red turkeys require plenty of space to move around and exercise. Then it'll take 6-7 months for a baby turkey to reach sexual maturity (ready to lay eggs and be butchered). Turkeys like to perch and roost, especially at night. First, these turkeys are not able to fly, so youll need to provide a safe, enclosed area for them to roam. Bourbon Red Turkeys are a medium-sized breed, with mature males weighing between 25 and 33 pounds and mature females weighing between 12 and 16 pounds. Once farmers started producing hybrid breeds that were fuller and arguably more flavorful, the Bourbon Red took a backseat. Keep an eye on their behavior, appetite, and droppings to identify any signs of illness or injury. Will they choose to mate only one hen as we have three toms do I need only three hens or more. How long do Bourbon Red Turkey live? We're new to keeping and breeding turkeys too! Egg production in turkeys can significantly vary based on weather and broody schedule, but you can expect approximately 160-180 eggs per year from a single hen. Biggest Turkey Ever Recorded On December 12, 1989, the biggest turkey ever recorded weighed 86 pounds during a competition in London. It may not display this or other websites correctly. These standard weights were published with anticipation of the potential of the Bourbon Red and when the breed was at its prime. Collect eggs regularly. Wild Turkey is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey distilled and bottled by the Wild Turkey Distilling Co, a division of Campari Group. Make sure their housing and outdoor area are secure and protected from predators. Yes! These birds can be found in the wild, but they are now domesticated. It is named for its reddish-brown plumage and for its area of origin, Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it was developed in the last years of the nineteenth century. Practice good biosecurity. [6] Primary motivations for the endeavor included a passion for historic breeds and maintaining genetic diversity among domestic animals which humans depend upon. If they set up shop at a nesting area theyve made themselves, you have to respect their territory and let them be, even if you are tempted to move it. They are docile and friendly birds, which makes them a great choice for backyard flocks. Thirdly, the housing should have proper bedding. At this stage in their lives, they must have a safe perch and a source of fresh water. Barbara Rischkowsky, Dafydd Pilling (editors) (2007). Sometimes a hen might lay a few eggs in the fall before winter begins but will stop production for cold winter days. adElem.style.position = ''; Bourbon Red Turkeys are good foragers and can find much of their own food if given the opportunity to free-range. A 50 lb bag of feed will last approximately one week and cost around $30. Our line of Bourbon Reds has high fertility and hatchability. [12], The Bourbon Red is a tall, high-breasted turkey, characterized by its deep mahogany-red body color. Bourbon Red turkeys are susceptible to some health issues, including blackhead disease and coccidiosis. Regardless of whether a male turkey is nearby or not, a mature female turkey lays an egg every day. There are wild and domesticated turkey populations today. They have a lifespan of around 7-10 years, which means they are a long-lived breed. You can change the temperature from 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) to 75% humidity at this time. No! Use the search! Orlopp Bronze or Artisan Gold? - Learn How to Raise Chickens Practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease, including keeping visitors and other animals away from the turkey flock. They are also good at roosting, which means they are able to sleep in trees or on high perches to avoid predators. The recommended minimum space per bird is 10 square feet. The chicks are born covered in down and are able to walk and feed themselves within a few hours. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad');
We reserve the right to change or discontinue Free Shipping at any time. Females Young 14 lbs. On the toms, the body feathers may be edged in black. Feed them a diet that includes a mix of commercial feed, grains, legumes, and insects. Turkeys are vulnerable to predators such as foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey. Turkeys raised in industrial agriculture are slaughtered at 14 to 18 weeks of age, while heritage turkeys reach a marketable weight in about 28 weeks, giving the birds time to develop a strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass. Even though Bourbon Red Turkeys have a docile temperament, they are still quite challenging to keep. Midget White And throughout the 1930s and 1940s it was a very important variety in the turkey industry. }()). You are using an out of date browser. In case of breeding, they are highly dependent on selection by breeders. Developed in Pennsylvania and taken to Kentucky with the long rifle, this breed later was given the name Bourbon Red from its popularity from Bourbon County, Kentucky. The average store-bought turkey costs about $1 per pound, while heritage turkeys run between $4 and $6 per pound. Bourbon red turkeys are now considered a rare breed, but they are gaining in popularity as more people learn about them. Feeding them with their mother hens beaks and learning to peck at food with their little beaks is what the mother hen will do. Currently there are fewer than 5000 breeding Bourbon Red turkey birds in the United States. Body feathers on the toms may be edged in black. [1], To meet perceived consumer demand and increase producers' profit margins, the goal in turkey farming became the production of the maximum amount of breast meat at the lowest possible cost.
how long do bourbon red turkeys live