Few people think of beauty when considering the appearance of a turkey. The picture that comes to mind for most is a large white bird that is raised in massive numbers on ranches to satisfy the holiday appetites of the American people. Another common sight today is the gray and black wild turkey that has recovered its numbers in many states in America. Most people are not aware of the bourbon red turkeys for sale in this country.
Originally created in Kentucky these birds were bred to have dark chestnut feathers with a white tail and wings. Their name comes from their color and the county in Kentucky where the breed was first conceived. They are the most populous of all Heritage Turkey Breeds and have become the most popular for breeders.
They were a very popular as a meat bird in the 1930s and 1940s. Their popularity declined like all other breeds when the broad breasted white turkey was commercialized. Fortunately they are returning to favor since beginning of the twenty first century. Despite regaining population numbers they are still listed on the "watch" list by the American livestock Breeds Conservancy because there are only five thousand breeding birds registered.
The average young tom dresses out at approximately sixteen pounds and the young hens weigh about ten pounds when prepared for the table. Mature birds weigh considerably more and are generally used for breeding rather than retail sales. One positive feature of these birds is the white pin feathers they have. Being white they do not stain the skin like others and present a very good looking and smooth carcass.
Many of these birds are kept as pets because of their docile nature and beautiful coloring. They are also popular for exhibition because of the vibrant coloring they display. The toms faces are gray or blue during breeding season. Their beards are black and their darker feathers shimmer with greens and dark blues in the sun.
When planning to purchase one of these birds for Thanksgiving or Christmas you must pre-order them well in advance. Because the birds forage in addition to their regular feed the weights may vary from what you ordered. Orders are taken in full pound accruements and you will be kept advised as to the differences in actual dressed weight.
Many farmers or ranchers who offer them for purchase have contacts with retailers where you will be able to pick up your bird. Others offer a discount for those who come to the property and collect their own orders while still others will ship the order in Styrofoam ice chests packed with dry ice. Most sellers will recommend that you purchase more than one bird at a time from them so you may have one for later in the year.
Regardless of whether you are purchasing these birds for your farm or for your holiday dinners you can be assured that they will meet your expectations in every respect.
Originally created in Kentucky these birds were bred to have dark chestnut feathers with a white tail and wings. Their name comes from their color and the county in Kentucky where the breed was first conceived. They are the most populous of all Heritage Turkey Breeds and have become the most popular for breeders.
They were a very popular as a meat bird in the 1930s and 1940s. Their popularity declined like all other breeds when the broad breasted white turkey was commercialized. Fortunately they are returning to favor since beginning of the twenty first century. Despite regaining population numbers they are still listed on the "watch" list by the American livestock Breeds Conservancy because there are only five thousand breeding birds registered.
The average young tom dresses out at approximately sixteen pounds and the young hens weigh about ten pounds when prepared for the table. Mature birds weigh considerably more and are generally used for breeding rather than retail sales. One positive feature of these birds is the white pin feathers they have. Being white they do not stain the skin like others and present a very good looking and smooth carcass.
Many of these birds are kept as pets because of their docile nature and beautiful coloring. They are also popular for exhibition because of the vibrant coloring they display. The toms faces are gray or blue during breeding season. Their beards are black and their darker feathers shimmer with greens and dark blues in the sun.
When planning to purchase one of these birds for Thanksgiving or Christmas you must pre-order them well in advance. Because the birds forage in addition to their regular feed the weights may vary from what you ordered. Orders are taken in full pound accruements and you will be kept advised as to the differences in actual dressed weight.
Many farmers or ranchers who offer them for purchase have contacts with retailers where you will be able to pick up your bird. Others offer a discount for those who come to the property and collect their own orders while still others will ship the order in Styrofoam ice chests packed with dry ice. Most sellers will recommend that you purchase more than one bird at a time from them so you may have one for later in the year.
Regardless of whether you are purchasing these birds for your farm or for your holiday dinners you can be assured that they will meet your expectations in every respect.
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