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. There is demand for both types of meat, especially around holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. It relies upon the controlled development of microbes that require skillful management. However, the wood roosts should be strong enough because turkeys are big and heavy to support their weights. Life span broad breasted bronze turkey | BackYard Chickens - Learn How About Bourbon Red Turkeys: Distinguished Meat Birds They scatter the food on paper sheets in addition to feeders only for turkey poults. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. Although hens produce high-quality eggs, theyre usually not for sale to the public. adElem.style.visibility = 'hidden'; 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. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. The juiciness is because of how the turkey lives, at what age it is butchered, and which additives have been injected before the meat is wrapped in plastic. Wide Ranging. Midget whites have good mothering skills and will take good care of their baby turkeys well. Bronze Turkey Characteristics - Learn Natural Farming They are prone to leg and back problems due to their heavy nature. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. It's just genetics. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. When you choose your next turkey, what factors will you take into consideration? These turkeys produce more meat than other breeds. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Broad Breasted White turkeys are a cross of Broad breasted bronze and White Holland. These birds have shorter breast bones and legs than other breeds and are unable to reproduce naturally. It was developed in the University of Massachusetts in 1960. The turkey coop should be big enough for them to fit in well without congesting. The first strains of White Holland turkeys were brought to the United States in the 1800s, and were primarily raised for their meat and eggs. The Orlopp Bronze is a strong complement to any farm, delivering competitive feed conversion and maintaining industry-leading health status . Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. There is a fleshy appendage in the male that hangs from the beak. This has increased from the end of the 20th century when the broad-breasted white had become so popular that heritage breeds were almost extinct. Broad breasted turkeys are huge, fast growing meat turkeys. They should be isolated from the rest to avoid disease spread. You may also need to artificially inseminate your hens to ensure successful breeding. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. What is the lifespan of a broad breasted turkey? Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Turkeys require a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. White turkeys are among the best turkey breeds that you can have in your backyard. These birds have shorter breast bones and larger breasts, sometimes rendering them unable to breed without human assistance (typically via artificial insemination). Through careful breeding and selection, the Broad Breasted White turkey was developed. Broad-breasted white turkeys are the most common type of turkeys used for meat production. According to The Livestock Conservancy the Jersey Buff turkey is critically endangered. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). White Turkey: 21 Facts You Won't Believe! | Kidadl What Does a Chicken Coop Need for Winter? The Standard is considered a heritage breed and it is known for having gamey meat that can be considered strong. Average live body weight of the mature Broad Breasted White turkey is between 17 and 20 kg. You should know what not to feed turkeys to avoid ill health or death because of food poisoning. But most Americans will be sticking to the easy-to-find broad-breasted white. Which is our fault for not doing the research and asking more questions. The rearing of a high proportion of broad-breasted whites occurs in different types of purpose-built or modified buildings. After just a few years after they were introduced in the farms, farmers disliked their output making them loose favor and they were out after they were replaced by other breeds. The resting place should not be higher than 10 in (25.4 cm) from the earth's surface because jumping off high places results in legs and foot issues after a long period. Read on for more information on the breed and to determine whether it is a good fit for your farming operation. Broad Breasted White turkeys require careful care and management to stay healthy and productive. The Bronze, White Holland, and Black varieties, the wild turkey, and White Austrian turkeys imported from Scotland were first used in the development of this small-type turkey. They are adorable, taste wonderful, and had economic value for the colonists. Turkeys are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, parasites, and injuries. The breed declined after the commercial adoption of the Broad Breasted White, like most other turkey breeds. Broad Breasted White Turkey: Best Breed For Meat - ROYS FARM Lifespan Of A Turkey In the wild, the average turkey life expectancy is 3 to 5 years, with hens usually living three years and toms living for four years. Proper care and management can help prevent these issues. var adElem = document.getElementById('vi-ad');
Your turkey could be bigger than your dog! I have two hens that are 11 months old right now and they are doing fine. Can Breeders Cure What Ails Our Breast-Heavy Turkeys? Your email address will not be published. Bourbon Reds are relatively larger than many breeds of turkeys, which is what makes them more ideal for meat production. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad'); In 1874, this new breed of turkey was accepted into the American Poultry Association. adElem.style.top = ''; This makes them an ideal choice for commercial meat production. Broad Breasted White Turkey: The Number 1 Meat Turkey 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. At this time these birds can weigh 13kgs. On the other hand, domesticated turkeys live almost double this time - for around ten years if kept well and fed appropriately on average. Didn't find what you need? Look for feeds that contain a balance of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. Before development of the breed, the Broad Breasted Bronze breed held the dominant position on the turkey market. } else { Hormones administered through feed would be metabolized and excreted in the same way that corn and soy proteins are, without causing noticeable growth. These birds demonstrate their masculine features as a sign of dominance and as a way of wooing females. Bronze pin feathers can be dark and visible. If youve purchased a turkey from the grocery store in the last 60 years, theres a 99% chance you bought a Broad Breasted White turkey. Here are some key things to keep in mind if you are interested in breeding these turkeys: Start by selecting healthy, high-quality breeding stock. Nesting boxes should be clean, dry, and lined with clean bedding such as straw or wood shavings. They are like the turkeys you buy at the grocery store for Thanksgiving. Top 5 Potential Risks, Very strong and hardy birds, docile temperament, but some birds can become aggressive, highly dependent on selection by breeder, today raised mainly for meat production, very good for producing breast meat, very productive birds and are of large size, today highly popular throughout the world, cant flight, short-lived birds. Labels may say, young tom or young turkey. Most commercial growers process their birds at seven to twenty pounds and freeze them until the holiday season. A secondary factor to price is how turkeys are raised. Average birds are typically 38-40 lbs. If the White turkeys in a commercial farm gain weight too fast, their keepers starve them for a few days to keep them within the correct weight limit. The same principle applies to heritage breeds. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys requires ongoing care and management. if (rect.top <= 0) { 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. The White turkey was not always the countrys top bird, but it was created to meet the rising demand for low-cost turkey with more breast meat than other birds. Poultry keepers who are new to turkeys soon learn this. adElemSticky.style.width = rect.width + 'px';
The massive, white-feathered bird is used more than any other breed; commercial chicken farms typically house around 10,000 birds to keep up with the American demand for turkey meat. Average lifespan of a Broad Breasted White turkey is between 2 and 5 years. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Disclosure:Itspoultry.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. MAXIMUM OF 40 Broad Breasted White Turkey $ 9.95 Sold Out Breed Facts Description Video Reviews (21) Breed Facts Poultry Show Class: Not Applicable Weights: Hen-22 lbs (at 20 wks) Their largest population is in the United States. However, these birds led to frustrations as they weighed much less than it was anticipated. Toms weighs 36 pounds while the hens weigh about 20 pounds. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for. Its Safe & Best 27 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Eggs? This breed, developed in the 1960s is a cross between the Royal Palm and the Broad Breasted Whites. Jersey Buff Turkey: Characteristics & Best 7 Facts adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; By 1965 the Broad Breasted White had taken over the turkey market. The flooring substrate usually consists of deep-litter, such as wood shavings. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Broad_Breasted_White_turkey&oldid=1129803192, This page was last edited on 27 December 2022, at 05:27. This is the reason these little critters are fed on a gamebird feed because it contains 28-30% protein. See also: Bourbon Red Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics, Featured Image Credit: Lev Levin, Shutterstock. The Broad Breasted White turkey is known for its high-quality meat, which is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Turkeys may start out antibiotic-free, but farmers may medicate an entire flock if a few birds get sick. Top 7 Potential Risks, Why Pet Insurance is Worth the Investment, Can Dogs Eat Almonds? They will require artificial insemination if they have to reproduce. The Broad Breasted White turkeys are large sized birds and they have been bred for providing a meaty carcass with more breast meat than any other turkey breeds. After cutting their birds with band saws so they can fit in ovens, or processing on an unplanned weekend because the turkey has gone lame, the farmers decide to butcher within July or August if they do it again. Food critics claim heritage breeds taste better and have healthier meat than their industrial counterparts. Tom was a broad-breasted white turkey. Where can I find a bird raised without added hormones? A post shared by Jeanine Baze (@iluvdirt326). Last edited on 27 December 2022, at 05:27, "Preserving Historic Turkey Breeds in Kansas", 2010 Turkeys Pardoned By Obama Died This Year, "Why can't you buy turkey eggs in stores? When a consumer raises its own broad-breasted white turkey for meat, it usually prefers male birds over females. Make sure to provide plenty of water sources, and clean and refill them daily to prevent contamination. A good turkey feed should contain at least 20-24% protein, with a balance of essential amino acids. Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Taste Test: Heritage Turkey vs. Conventional Turkey | Kitchn They belong to the same bird family which includes pheasants, partridge, jungle fowl, and grouse. The Humane Society and PETA have repeatedly warned consumers about the inhumane conditions on industrial turkey farms. The turkeys breasts are so large that the birds are unable to reproduce naturally. Often, a melanin-rich pocket of fluid surrounds the feather shaft, leaking like ink when the feather is plucked. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. The Broad Breasted White turkeys are a very popular breed of turkey in commercial farming. Turkey poults have less meat but sometimes they are still eaten by humans and predators too. Make sure your turkey housing has plenty of windows or vents to allow for adequate airflow. At the same time, it banned hormone use for poultry and pork. Lots of free range time with plenty of walks for exercise will help maintain her health. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Its important to provide enough space for the birds to mate and to prevent aggression or fighting. As with all fowl, males can be territorial and even violent, attacking intruders or newcomers with sharp claws. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! }; But people began to prefer the Broad Breasted White turkey during the beginning in the 1960s. It became a hot sensation in Europe because of its epic taste. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Turkeys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so its important to keep their housing at a consistent temperature. The broad-breasted white turkey is a breed of domesticated turkey with shorter breast bones and larger breasts. The Bronze Turkey is too large and heavy to be able to fly and struggles to jump. Denying them a nesting area will encourage them to nest in the bushes. Is Raising Turkeys for Eggs at Homestead a Viable Option? If it is not slaughtered by this point, then it will die from heart failure. You can also supplement their diet with insects, worms, and other protein-rich treats. Broad Breasted White Turkey. It is largely and commercially used for meat production. Homesteads and small farms keep Broad Breasted White turkeys, but heritage turkeys are more reliable for small-scale farming. Always make sure they their waterers are full to prevent them from dehydrating because of lack of water. Dont hesitate to ask us if you have more questions. The Broad Breasted White turkey is favored because of its near-perfect carcass appearance. Unfortunately, this bird is not used for egg production due to some health issues. Turkeys mate naturally, with males competing for the attention of females. } It has white feathers and short legs. It is commercially the most widely used domesticated turkey for meat. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They grow fast and have lots of meat on their chest (hence the name, broad breasted!). Yes! They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. Meat turkeys just aren't bred to live more than a few months, and will often die on their own of complications relating to their rapid and massive growth. No, broad-breasted white turkeys are not poisonous birds as they do not have any poison-producing glands. Life span of Bronze turkeys? | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Not like crazy, but sparingly Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures, My black diamond Chicken Tender Nike and her new three siblings and their parents (sorry long title). adElem.style.display = 'none'; They are rare and currently they are listed as endangered. 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. Added hormones within our poultry is something we will probably never have to worry about. They are calm and have a good disposition but are a smaller breed weighing in between 8 and 20 pounds. This can be in the form of a large barn or shed, or an outdoor enclosure with plenty of room to roam. adElem.style.visibility = 'visible'; As mentioned earlier, turkeys require a high-protein diet that is balanced with essential vitamins and minerals. The price of one unsexed broad-breasted white turkey is nearly $7.70. The worse problems are heart failure and legs giving out due to the weight. These birds are raised for meat and have large breasts which are easily bruised by roost bars. The quality of care you give to your birds is very important. White turkeys are docile creatures that appreciate humans who treat them humanely. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. What are the characteristics of Broad Breasted White Turkeys? Efficiency is more vital to turkey producers than humane treatment, and although the United States and much of the world love turkey meat, it comes at a high cost. Today, they are listed as endangered by the American Poultry Association and are almost extinct with very few species remaining. Do not forget to have enough nesting boxes where the white turkey hens will lay their eggs. adElem.style.top = '10px'; It is costlier than the white breed because of the quality of the meat. It is very easy for poults to feed on them. A good, secure and comfortable housing is essential for the health and well-being of these birds, as it can help protect them from the elements, provide them with a safe and comfortable environment, and prevent the spread of disease. Large operations can load up to 1,500 turkeys per hour into the truck, and many birds break their wings or suffer from internal hemorrhaging in the loading process. First, turkey poults of one to seven days are placed into diminutive round brooding pens of about 8 ft (2.5 m) to ensure that they have the proper amount of food and water. The breed is very good for producing breast meat. But sometimes they can weight more. (function () { Why do heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving cost more per pound than standard birds? The other seems very healthy. I have several stories of him that might make him seem like an a**hole but he's really just a sweet bird. The Bronze Turkey can grow to 4 feet tall and have a 6-foot wingspan. This breed is often used for commercial meat production due to its size and meat quality. That means packing fewer birds into a larger area, resulting in less profit per acre. JavaScript is disabled. There are few places on poultry which are not consumed, and implants within those places would probably result in the death of the animal. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Access to clean, fresh water is essential for turkeys. In addition to protein, turkeys require a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. These turkeys are small and white in color. The name Bronze started in the 1830s, initially with the Point Judith Bronze from Rhode Island, but eventually spread to all birds of this type. I weighed our girl that we have left and she's about 23 pounds right now and 10 months old. Your email address will not be published. They are white on color with a large frame and white skin. Broad Breasted White Turkey | Cackle Hatchery A single broad-breasted white turkey bird needs at least ten sq ft of space inside a cage. So keeping her lighter can help you keep her longer. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, these birds were extensively reared but later ran out of favor among farmers and restaurants after the development of the Broad Breasted White (Source). Their size and weight makes them adept fence jumpers and skilled at roosting on fences. Unlike chickens, turkeys have few predators and require less supervision to keep them safe. As part of the Slow Food USA Ark Of Taste, the Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage food that is in danger of going extinct. The Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage breed and these, in turn, are very well domesticated. I'm not 100% sure that they are broad breasted but I think we did. Heritage turkeys are among the most stunning livestock around. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Commercially, heritage breeds compose a small percentage, around 25,000 produced annually compared to 200,000,000 industrial (broad-breasted) birds. This means that the meat can be difficult to get hold of for consumers, but it also means that farmers can get a good price for good-quality Bronze Turkey meat. It is a large bird that requires a bigger area to live. Unless the label states differently, most industrially raised turkeys are broad-breasted. 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. After numerous days, breeders remove the pens and allow the young poults to meet with hundreds and thousands of mature birds. Conditions on the truck are even worse than on the farm. Are Broad Breasted White Turkeys Good for Small-Scale Farming? Plans underway to breed them back being in progress in the US and Canada. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Bourbon Reds originated in Bourbon, Kentucky, from crossing Buff, Standard Bronze, and Holland White. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey - All You Need To Know - ChickenMag They are susceptible to cold especially the poults and you will need to confine them in a heated coop. These other birds possess iridescent plumage of multiple colors including green, bronze, blue, and a featherless blue head. This is because the breasts are so large that these birds cannot mate naturally and must be artificially inseminated. https://www.chickensforbackyards.com/White-Broad-Breasted-Turkey-Unsexed-602.htm. . That thick breast meat is the result of selective breeding. Genetically, White turkeys are not healthy animals, but theyre considered hardy species less affected by climate conditions. I wouldn't have taken them If I would have known. 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. Although poultry farmers consider it a success story, the White turkey is vulnerable to several medical conditions and rarely lives past five years. Broad Breasted White Turkey Uses The United States slaughters over 250 million White turkeys every year for meat. Turkey farming is also a good venture. I had a jake too who was the healthiest of the 3 and very slim for a BBB but he was killed by dogs this fall. Keeping turkeys can require more care than keeping other poultry. The broad-breasted white turkeys can fly but only to a short distance. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. These birds need a well-rounded course to ensure they get all the nutrients they require in their bodies. Hens are smaller and duller than the cocks. These birds have small and short bones that are covered in muscles and fat. It is a robust and generally healthy breed that does not usually suffer too many illnesses. No matter which method the farmer chooses, all reflect in final purchasing prices in heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. Farmers have stories of toms that fluff and strut when human women walk past the coop or of hens that follow their humans around during mating season. When it comes to feeding Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. Lays eggs every few days. White turkeys have been bred to give more breast meat than other breeds, such as Bourbon red turkeys, broad-breasted bronze turkeys, midget white turkeys, black turkeys, Narragansett turkeys, and slate turkeys. Though we see stunning pictures of iridescent bronze turkeys with white banding, the most common color for commercial production is white because the carcass dresses out cleaner. Most of us are willing to pay more for a bird raised without added hormones, right? And they can not breed easily mainly because of the bulf of their hefty breasts. The Midget White has the appearance of a miniature version of the commercial Broad Breasted White turkey, but it is still capable of mating naturally. Many turkey farmers opt for concrete or gravel flooring, as these materials are durable and easy to sanitize. Turkeys are also vigilant and vocal, chirping as young birds and gobbling as adults in response to loud noises. Bronze Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics (with Pictures