Whether your interest is backyard production to feed your family, extra income, or preservation and exhibition of heritage birds, Bourbon Red Turkeys for sale are an excellent choice. They're hardy, easy to raise, easy to breed. They eat a variety of plants, insects, vegetables, and fruits. Spread a supplemental turkey feed at night to encourage free range birds to return to the safety of the coop for the night, and to keep birds healthy throughout all the seasons.
Pennsylvania farmers bred reddish varieties of Buff turkeys. These reddish birds called Tuscarora Reds, or Tuscawara Reds, were carried to Ohio and Kentucky as settlers moved west. In Bourbon County, J. F. Barbee bred Tuscarora Reds with White Hollands and Standard Bronze turkeys. Sometimes called Butternut or Kentucky Red Bourbons, the bird was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1909.
This was a favorite breed used in mass production in the 1930's and 40's. The population declined with the development and adoption of the Broad Breasted White Turkey. Fortunately, a resurgence in interest in heritage turkeys and backyard production, has brought this bird a new popularity. It's considered a rare bird but population is increasing. This domestic turkey is easy to breed as it still retains the wild turkey's natural instincts, and it's flying ability.
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 is an attractive bird, flaunting a red plumage with white flight and tail feathers. Tail feathers sport red bars across the ends. Breast and neck feathers are chestnut mahogany. Undercolor feathers are light buff to white. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, darker at the base. They also sport a black beard, a red wattle, pink toes and shanks.
Provide about 4 feet of feeding space to prevent food fights. This can be accomplished by setting up multiple feeding stations or by spreading feed across a wide area on the ground. Provide a coop for shelter in storms and protection from predators at night. Day time pastures should be fenced to protect from day time predators.
Coops must be raked daily, disinfected monthly, to maintain a healthy flock. Small backyard producers will need to rake their yards daily to remove feces. Of course clean water should be available always. Rotate birds between pastures for the health of the pasture as well as the health of the birds.
Friendly Bourbon Reds will come running to you at feeding time. They might even follow you around the pasture and get underfoot with their curious nature. They're a sturdy bird suitable for any climate as long as there's adequate shelter. They live 5-10 years. They mate and breed naturally. They're ready for the table after 6 months, although a little older and fatter is preferred for best taste. Meat is tasty and tender with a mix of dark and white meat. Their eggs are edible, but very hard to crack.
Pennsylvania farmers bred reddish varieties of Buff turkeys. These reddish birds called Tuscarora Reds, or Tuscawara Reds, were carried to Ohio and Kentucky as settlers moved west. In Bourbon County, J. F. Barbee bred Tuscarora Reds with White Hollands and Standard Bronze turkeys. Sometimes called Butternut or Kentucky Red Bourbons, the bird was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1909.
This was a favorite breed used in mass production in the 1930's and 40's. The population declined with the development and adoption of the Broad Breasted White Turkey. Fortunately, a resurgence in interest in heritage turkeys and backyard production, has brought this bird a new popularity. It's considered a rare bird but population is increasing. This domestic turkey is easy to breed as it still retains the wild turkey's natural instincts, and it's flying ability.
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 is an attractive bird, flaunting a red plumage with white flight and tail feathers. Tail feathers sport red bars across the ends. Breast and neck feathers are chestnut mahogany. Undercolor feathers are light buff to white. Beaks are horn colored at the tip, darker at the base. They also sport a black beard, a red wattle, pink toes and shanks.
Provide about 4 feet of feeding space to prevent food fights. This can be accomplished by setting up multiple feeding stations or by spreading feed across a wide area on the ground. Provide a coop for shelter in storms and protection from predators at night. Day time pastures should be fenced to protect from day time predators.
Coops must be raked daily, disinfected monthly, to maintain a healthy flock. Small backyard producers will need to rake their yards daily to remove feces. Of course clean water should be available always. Rotate birds between pastures for the health of the pasture as well as the health of the birds.
Friendly Bourbon Reds will come running to you at feeding time. They might even follow you around the pasture and get underfoot with their curious nature. They're a sturdy bird suitable for any climate as long as there's adequate shelter. They live 5-10 years. They mate and breed naturally. They're ready for the table after 6 months, although a little older and fatter is preferred for best taste. Meat is tasty and tender with a mix of dark and white meat. Their eggs are edible, but very hard to crack.
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If you are looking for bourbon red turkeys for sale click the link to Rusty Duck Lane in Bozeman, Montana. For details on our chickens and Nigerian Dwarf Goats, visit us at http://www.rustyducklane.com today.
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