Free-range turkeys can supplement their diet with grass, insects, and other natural foods, while confined turkeys may require more careful monitoring to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need. And now that you know the differences between breeds, would you consider raising a heritage breed versus broad-breasted? There are few places on poultry which are not consumed, and implants within those places would probably result in the death of the animal. Required fields are marked *. Fully grown hens weigh approximately 18 pounds. The powerful strut by toms fanning their tail feathers and exposing their long fleshy snoods is eye thrilling. Except for Antarctica, white turkeys live on every continent in the world. In 1997,The Livestock Conservancy considered heritage turkeys the most critically endangered of all domestic animals, finding fewer than 1,500 total breeding birds in the United States. They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. Your email address will not be published. It is arduous to housetrain these turkeys and they do produce a large amount of poop. Bronze Turkey Characteristics - Learn Natural Farming So keeping her lighter can help you keep her longer. The broad-breasted white turkey is endemic to America but it can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Male broad-breasted white turkey price is roughly $8.90, whereas female broad-breasted white turkey or hen usually sold for about $8.05. Baby turkeys require a protein rich diet if they have to make it to the next stage of life. All varieties of domestic turkey descend from the Mexican turkey. The same principle applies to heritage breeds. These birds are social and will require good gifts and treats to make them happy. Broad Breasted White Turkey Uses The United States slaughters over 250 million White turkeys every year for meat. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If you purchase turkey poults from a feed store and want to start a breeding project, first verify the breed. What are the characteristics of Broad Breasted White Turkeys? The legs of these animals are very short compared to their size. Breeders began to prefer the breed because they produced a cleaner looking carcass. Is Broad Breasted White turkey farming profitable? They are prone to leg and back problems due to their heavy nature. Due to its broad breast, the Midget White has quality meat characteristics, making it a fine table bird. One of its relatives, the Broad Breasted Bronze turkey, was a popular commercial bird until it was replaced by the Beltsville White. Is Raising Turkeys for Eggs at Homestead a Viable Option? They easily feed small families and fit in small refrigerators where other large meat birds will not fit whole. After some days, a wooden feeder or hanging feeder can be used as they also conserve feed. Underneath its beautiful bronze feathers is an efficient, robust turkey. Average live body weight of the mature Broad Breasted White turkey is between 17 and 20 kg. adElem.style.width = (rect.width) + 'px'; GroGel and Vitamin packs may be shipped with the birds or shipped separately before your birds arrive. Broad breasted white turkeys have white feathers, red carnucling, a black beard, and pink feet. Lots of free range time with plenty of walks for exercise will help maintain her health. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. Commercial turkeys are pumped full of antibiotics to prevent illnesses, but most breeders and animal groups believe the issues cannot be solved with medications or traditional breeding techniques. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function () { viAPItag.display("vi_1472596215") }),
The birds dark plumage affected the color of the flesh, and breeders decided to create a white-feathered bird that would not change the meats pigment. Two types of broad-breasted turkeys exist: white and bronze/brown. These turkeys dont weigh much as hens weigh 10 pounds while toms weigh 17 pounds. Why is antibiotic-free important? Heritage breeds, through the years, became less popular as modern agriculture took . Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey - All You Need To Know - ChickenMag Though frozen turkeys reside in your grocery store all year, they become the main attraction during the final two months. After that, when English people came to America, they really got amazed by the broad-breasted white turkey which tastes excellent because of their natural diet of walnuts, chestnuts, and other nuts. . There Once Was a Turkey Named Tom Your turkey could be bigger than your dog! They are white on color with a large frame and white skin. These turkeys produce more meat than other breeds. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. Sick birds should be taken to a bird vet for treatment. This breed is not known for its natural reproductive ability, and artificial insemination is often used to produce fertile eggs. Toss tasty treats like cracked corn, strawberries, grapes, cherries, asparagus and cabbage. If they grow too fast or too large, they can injure joints, break legs, or have cardiac and respiratory problems. This is because a broad-breasted that is allowed to grow to maturity can dress out at over fifty pounds. In commercial production, hatcheries get their eggs from the breeding farms. Quick Facts about Broad Breasted White Turkey, Broad Breasted White Turkey Characteristics, Broad Breasted White Turkey Appearance & Varieties. adElem.style.zIndex = ''; adElem.style.width = ''; A post shared by Alec Bown (@the_average_white_birder). A 0.5-acre area is enough for a dozen turkeys in a fenced-in region. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Vaccinate them timely and always provide them all required medicines. adElem.style.height = ''; var adElem = document.getElementById('vi-ad');
But thisalso promotes questions:What is a heritage turkey? adElem.style.top = '10px'; Orlopp Bronze Turkey - Hybrid We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Incredibly social breeds, turkeys can die of loneliness if they arent kept with acceptable companions. Roost bars are necessary because they birds love to roost just like chickens. White turkeys are among the best turkey breeds that you can have in your backyard. These properties have made the breed popular in commercial turkey production but enthusiasts of slow food argue that the development of this breed and the methods in commercial turkey production have come at a cost of less flavor. The rearing of a high proportion of broad-breasted whites occurs in different types of purpose-built or modified buildings. Conditions on the truck are even worse than on the farm. This will protect them from harsh weather and keep them from turkey predators like wild dogs which hunt them for food. The only real purpose for the Broad Breasted Bronze is for meat. The speed range of a broad-breasted white turkey is between 25-55 mph (40.2-88.5 kph). Broad-Breasted White and other large breed turkeys (referred to as "Industry" or "Commercial Turkeys" by the meat industry) have been selectively bred by humans exclusively for the purpose of increasing both their body mass and growth rates to make them more efficient to raise and slaughter in vast numbers while increasing overall profitability The incubation period of eggs is about 28 days, after which the breeders check the sex of the turkey poults or chicks and distributed them to the grow-out farms. Bronze Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics (with Pictures These birds are a great choice to keep. }; And they must be artificially inseminated. They keep these young poults under persistent light for the first 48 hours to motivate them to eat. About Bourbon Red Turkeys: Distinguished Meat Birds var _footer = document.querySelector("#colophon"); These supplements are fed as a treat in moderation because they are not their main diet. Didn't find what you need? In colder climates, you may need to provide additional heat sources such as heaters or heat lamps to keep them warm. Dont hesitate to ask us if you have more questions. About Broad Breasted White Turkeys This turkey breed was developed by crossing Hollands and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. They are not normally kept past harvest time . Adequate lighting is important for the health and well-being of turkeys, as it helps to regulate their sleep cycles and can promote healthy growth. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! An ongoing argument exists regarding the ethics of using antibiotics. free printable turkey body coloring pages. I wouldn't have taken them If I would have known. Turkeys are very sensitive to moldy and rotten food. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. Optional Vaccination's are preformed at the hatchery. Required fields are marked *. That is why turkey eggs are rarely available to eat. Jersey Buff Turkey: Characteristics & Best 7 Facts The Broad Breasted White turkey transformed the turkey industry with its high yields of meat, but unfortunately, the increased production characteristics came at the expense of the birds health. When it comes to feeding Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. The birds large breasts weigh the bird down, and the full-grown turkeys seem off balance when they waddle around. Toms weighs 36 pounds while the hens weigh about 20 pounds. Although hens produce high-quality eggs, theyre usually not for sale to the public. published Nov 4, 2011. Male turkeys have an unusual cap-like crown that extends during the breeding season. The general white turkey breed was admitted into the American Poultry Associations Standard of Perfection in 1874. The broad-breasted white turkeys can fly but only to a short distance. Do you want more meat or would you rather preserve an endangered breed? It gets its name from the bronze finish to its plumage, and it is prized for its meat production, and although it is not as popular as the Broad Breasted White Turkey, many consumers look specifically for this breed for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. As mentioned earlier, turkeys require a high-protein diet that is balanced with essential vitamins and minerals. Midget whites have good mothering skills and will take good care of their baby turkeys well. The temperament of broad-breasted white turkeys is moderately docile but sometimes they become aggressive. Previously, it was thought the domestication of turkey has occurred in middle Mesoamerica about 2,000 years ago, but a recent study found that subsequent domestication happened in the southwest United States between 200 BC and AD 500. Their legs and feet are grayish-white. Then make a very good house for your birds. The weight range of a broad-breasted white turkey is 29.7-86 lb (13.5-39 kg). How long does it take to raise a broad breasted white turkey? Consumers who purchase heritage turkeys also tend to hold a higher standard to their meat, eschewing additives or antibiotics, which can extend the life of a bird raised in confinement. This poultry article is a stub. Generally, the male broad-breasted white turkey lives a shorter life than a female.