Turkeys

 

 

 

Bourbon Red  Bourbon Red Turkey
     This turkey is truly one of the most beautiful of all turkey varieties. It has a very dark, rich, chestnut color that is edged in black on many of the feathers. The wing tips and the back one half of the tail are white giving it a very striking appearance. It will not grow as large or as fast as the bronze or white turkeys but is good to eat and will be a wonderful addition to your flock.
Mature size:  
 

Bronze  Bronze Turkey
     Beautiful to behold, these stately lords of the barnyard must be seen to be appreciated. The metallic sheen of the feathers changes from copper to bronze to burnished gold as the light moves across them. . No wonder the Pilgrims gave thanks for the wild ancestors of these present-day beauties.
Mature size:  Four feet in length, six feet from wing tip to wing tip, a full grown tom will weigh in at about 38 pounds. Hens easily go 22 pounds
 

Royal Palm  Royal Palm Turkey
 
 

White White Turkey
These broad breasted turkeys are the most popular particularly for eating. They are easy to dress because of their white feathers and they also get the biggest. 
Mature size:  hens may reach 25 pounds and the toms as much as 45 pounds.
 
Tips of Raising Baby Turkeys  (click here for more information)
Turkeys  need medicated meat builder.  It is higher in protein and other ingredients needed to meet their fast growth demand and prevent leg problems.  It is very helpful to use vitamins in the drinking water to help alleviate weak legs.    Solutracin should be put into the drinking water of all Turkeys, particularly when shipped by mail as this exposes babies to heat cold and stress.  Solutracin acts on the gut and fortifies baby turkeys with livability and a desire to start eating.     Turkeys are not very intelligent when it comes to eating and drinking;  they need to be taught.  The stories you hear about baby turkeys looking up in the rain and drowning are true.  Put marbles (or something shiny) in their water and feed.  The turkeys will peck at the shiny marbles and learn to eat and drink.  Occasionally this will not work.  In that case sprinkle green food coloring over feed or put some baby chicks in to teach them to eat.  After a few days they will be well educated.

     It is not recommended that you combined turkeys with chickens as turkeys are very susceptible to poultry diseases.  My experience has been if you can get them up to six months of age, you have it made!