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 consumer choice during the 1930's and 1940's. The introduction of the Broad Breasted White turkey led to the retirement and near extinction of earlier domestic breeds. Fortunately, most have survived and dedicated breeders are working to expand and preserve heritage breeds. The Bourbon Red turkey is still considered a rare breed, but it's population is on the rise. Backyard producers find this breed to be a hardy bird, easy to raise, and tasty to eat. It retains many of it's wild cousins natural instincts and abilities, including the 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 attractive bird is named for its handsome red plumage. Tail feathers and wings are white. Tail feathers sport red bars near the tips. Breast and neck plumage is a chestnut mahogany. The undercolor plumage is white to light buff. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, and darker at the base. Shanks and toes are pink. The beard is black. The wattle is red.
Keep your turkeys from fighting over food by setting out multiple feeding stations about four feet apart, or spread food out on the ground. A coop protects birds from bad weather and dangerous predators. Birds are safest if they roost in the coop at night. Day time pasturage should be fenced to keep birds safe from daytime 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.
Save a rare breed while providing food for the table, and have fun while doing it. This friendly bird will come running at feeding time. These birds will follow you around the pasture, getting under foot as they attempt to satisfy their natural curiosity. They're hardy with a lengthy, 5 to 10 year lifespan. They're ready for the table anytime after 6 months. A little older and fatter is recommended for tender, tasty meat with a nice mix of white and dark. And for a little variety, their eggs are also quite tasty.
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 consumer choice during the 1930's and 1940's. The introduction of the Broad Breasted White turkey led to the retirement and near extinction of earlier domestic breeds. Fortunately, most have survived and dedicated breeders are working to expand and preserve heritage breeds. The Bourbon Red turkey is still considered a rare breed, but it's population is on the rise. Backyard producers find this breed to be a hardy bird, easy to raise, and tasty to eat. It retains many of it's wild cousins natural instincts and abilities, including the 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 attractive bird is named for its handsome red plumage. Tail feathers and wings are white. Tail feathers sport red bars near the tips. Breast and neck plumage is a chestnut mahogany. The undercolor plumage is white to light buff. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, and darker at the base. Shanks and toes are pink. The beard is black. The wattle is red.
Keep your turkeys from fighting over food by setting out multiple feeding stations about four feet apart, or spread food out on the ground. A coop protects birds from bad weather and dangerous predators. Birds are safest if they roost in the coop at night. Day time pasturage should be fenced to keep birds safe from daytime 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.
Save a rare breed while providing food for the table, and have fun while doing it. This friendly bird will come running at feeding time. These birds will follow you around the pasture, getting under foot as they attempt to satisfy their natural curiosity. They're hardy with a lengthy, 5 to 10 year lifespan. They're ready for the table anytime after 6 months. A little older and fatter is recommended for tender, tasty meat with a nice mix of white and dark. And for a little variety, their eggs are also quite tasty.
About the Author:
You can visit www.rustyducklane.com for more helpful information about Heritage Bourbon Red Turkeys For Sale.
No comments:
Post a Comment