The common vision of a turkey in most American homes is of the large white bird that is raised in pens on ranches and is eventually sold to processing companies to prepare them for becoming Thanksgiving dinner for millions of families. Few people are aware of the specialty breeds of turkey that inhabit our country. Finding bourbon red turkeys for sale is a good way to become acquainted with another breed of this bird.
These birds were created in Kentucky by selectively breeding buff colored birds with others of high color to create a bird that is a deep chestnut color with contrasting white tails with a red band and white wing feathers. They are the most popular breed of heritage turkey breeds and have the largest population of breeding birds in this class.
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 young toms usually weigh in slightly over fifteen pounds when dressed for cooking. Hens weigh three of four pounds less than the toms. You can find mature birds that weigh over thirty pounds. Mature birds are best for breeding and few are sold for the table. The carcass of these birds has a clean, smooth look because the their white pin feathers do not stain the skin.
These birds can be kept as pets because they have such a non-aggressive demeanor about them. Their coloring also makes them a popular choice for the gentleman farmer with a small acreage where they can roam and forage on their own. They breed naturally and in the fall the faces of the toms change from gray or white to blue to attract females.
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.
You may be able to pick you bird up at a local retailer for convenience. Some ranchers contract to them for delivery to their customers. Another option is to pick up the bird at the ranch. There is usually a discounted price when you do this. Some ranchers will also ship your purchase to you in a frozen state and add the shipping charges to your bill.
You will be able to purchase live birds, chicks and fertilized eggs from most ranches. The chicks can then be raised as pets, for exhibition or to be used by family as holiday meals. So, as a short term dinner investment or a long term investment as a family member these birds can be counted on to fill your needs.
These birds were created in Kentucky by selectively breeding buff colored birds with others of high color to create a bird that is a deep chestnut color with contrasting white tails with a red band and white wing feathers. They are the most popular breed of heritage turkey breeds and have the largest population of breeding birds in this class.
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 young toms usually weigh in slightly over fifteen pounds when dressed for cooking. Hens weigh three of four pounds less than the toms. You can find mature birds that weigh over thirty pounds. Mature birds are best for breeding and few are sold for the table. The carcass of these birds has a clean, smooth look because the their white pin feathers do not stain the skin.
These birds can be kept as pets because they have such a non-aggressive demeanor about them. Their coloring also makes them a popular choice for the gentleman farmer with a small acreage where they can roam and forage on their own. They breed naturally and in the fall the faces of the toms change from gray or white to blue to attract females.
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.
You may be able to pick you bird up at a local retailer for convenience. Some ranchers contract to them for delivery to their customers. Another option is to pick up the bird at the ranch. There is usually a discounted price when you do this. Some ranchers will also ship your purchase to you in a frozen state and add the shipping charges to your bill.
You will be able to purchase live birds, chicks and fertilized eggs from most ranches. The chicks can then be raised as pets, for exhibition or to be used by family as holiday meals. So, as a short term dinner investment or a long term investment as a family member these birds can be counted on to fill your needs.
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You can visit www.rustyducklane.com for more helpful information about Bourbon Red Turkeys For Sale.
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