The breed is very good for producing breast meat. You may also want to separate the poults from the adult turkeys to prevent injury or illness. The same principle applies to heritage breeds. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Denying them a nesting area will encourage them to nest in the bushes. These turkeys dont weigh much as hens weigh 10 pounds while toms weigh 17 pounds. Eschewing all antibiotics means suffering of the animal, spread of disease, and euthanasia of sick animals before the other livestock can contract the illness. Most consumers dont know that it has never been legal in the United States to use added hormones to produce anything except beef and lamb. Turkeys mate naturally, with males competing for the attention of females. Make sure to provide adequate nutrition, clean water, and a safe and comfortable environment. Are Broad Breasted White Turkeys Good for Small-Scale Farming? More than 70% of that weight is within the breast. But people began to prefer the Broad Breasted White turkey during the beginning in the 1960s. First of all, select a very good location for your farm. } Keeping turkeys can require more care than keeping other poultry. 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. Homesteads and small farms keep Broad Breasted White turkeys, but heritage turkeys are more reliable for small-scale farming. Broad-breasted turkey birds are large creatures. Disclosure. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. All White turkeys are artificially inseminated. This breed was characterized by its large size, broad breast, and high-quality meat. 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. 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. Make sure they have feeders full of food and a good amount of water. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Turkeys are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, parasites, and injuries. It's just genetics. Is this breed able to lay eggs for consumption? Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. 6oz pack per 128gal of water/ 1 GALLON DOSAGE: 1/4 tsp powder to 1 gal of drinking water. Their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed and have more breast meat that accounts for about 70% of their weight. Unlike wild turkeys that get to roam and forage freely, commercial white chickens are crammed in tiny spaces and forced to eat high-fat turkey feed to ensure they reach the market standard for weight. } else { If it is not slaughtered by this point, then it will die from heart failure. The Broad Breasted White was another response to changing consumer demand. They are ready to butcher as early as 5 months and only have a life expectancy of 18 months. It is widely used for commercial meat production, as well as for exhibition and breeding purposes. This is because a broad-breasted that is allowed to grow to maturity can dress out at over fifty pounds. Be very limiting of any treats, especially BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seeds) and any other high fat foods. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; The Bronze has straight, strong legs set well apart. 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. Heritage turkeys are among the most stunning livestock around. Proper feeding is essential for the health and growth of these birds, as it can provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive and produce high-quality meat. Currently, Broad Breasted White is the most common and popular breed of domestic turkey. Where can I find a bird raised without added hormones? Many turkey farmers opt for concrete or gravel flooring, as these materials are durable and easy to sanitize. However, the wood roosts should be strong enough because turkeys are big and heavy to support their weights. This does not influence our choices. Also, look for those heavy breeds like the breasted whites because they cannot mate naturally. What Smells Deter Cats from Peeing? There is demand for both types of meat, especially around holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. adElem.style.visibility = 'visible'; Food is one of the basic requirements for turkeys. Rated 4.57 out of 5. } You are using an out of date browser. Required fields are marked *. How many eggs do Broad Breasted White turkeys lay? 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. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. } 8 Potential Methods. These turkeys are generally docile and friendly, and can be easily handled with proper care and training. Additionally, make sure the doors are big enough because these birds are big. 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. 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. }()). Another thing you can do is to use plastic chick feeders with oval-shaped openings to feed these birds. Through careful breeding and selection, the Broad Breasted White turkey was developed. They are white on color with a large frame and white skin. [1] They produce more breast meat and their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed due to their white color. Today, they are listed as endangered by the American Poultry Association and are almost extinct with very few species remaining. And why is there such a huge price difference between standard and heritage? Males are referred to as toms (stags in Europe), females are hens, and the chicks are called poults or turkeylings. You can keep her as a pet but be prepared for your heart to ache when she does pass. Look for birds that are free of defects, have good muscle tone, and are a good weight for their age and breed. Their development was prompted by the rising population in the United States at the time that made the demand for turkey meat sky rocket. In 1874, White Holland turkey breed was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association. What are you feeding? The United States slaughters over 250 million White turkeys every year for meat. This should be either added in their dirt bath or dusted directly on their bodies in small amounts. 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. For the first three days, the temperature of the air is set at 95 F (18 C), which then decreases to 64 F (18 C) every two days until the turkey poults become 37 days old. Once the eggs hatch, the poults will need a warm, dry, and safe environment to grow and develop. The farm raises approximately 20,000 broad-breasted white turkeys . Broad Breasted hens lay eggs that have a high hatchability making them so pricy and using such eggs for food. Although hens produce high-quality eggs, theyre usually not for sale to the public. Best 23 Feeding Tips, Can Dogs Eat Skippy Peanut Butter? Here are some key things to keep in mind: Turkeys need plenty of space to move around and stretch their wings. Broad-Breasted Bronze feathers are copper bronze, with a background of brown and black, and white bars on the tail a coloration is very similar to wild turkeys. Turkeys may start out antibiotic-free, but farmers may medicate an entire flock if a few birds get sick. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. Several factors make the Bronze Turkey a good choice for small-scale farming: But there are some downsides to breeding this turkey: The Bronze Turkey was once the most popular of all domesticated turkey breeds in the US, having been bred to be easier to manage than wild turkeys but bigger than the English turkeys brought over with settlers. Actually, the Broad Breasted Whites were breed specifically to produce maximum meat. window.onscroll = function () {
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) The turkey coop should be big enough for them to fit in well without congesting. Consumers in the early 20th century were bothered by the color of the Bronze turkeys meat. if (width <= 900) { Your email address will not be published. Turkeys are social birds and thrive in a calm and stress-free environment. Why do heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving cost more per pound than standard birds? The broad-breasted white turkeys can fly but only to a short distance. They are generally short-lived birds, and they have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch. Average live body weight of the mature Broad Breasted White turkey is between 17 and 20 kg. For turkey poults, the egg carton is a perfect initial feeder. This breed produces more meat than other turkey breeds. This breed is often used for commercial meat production due to its size and meat quality. the bird is mostly raised on poultry farms. A post shared by Jeanine Baze (@iluvdirt326). When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. White turkeys are among the best turkey breeds that you can have in your backyard. Best 23 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Corn? Currently, they are listed as endangered species by the Livestock Conservancy and are in the blink of extinction. 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. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Copyright 2023 It's Poultry - All Rights Reserved. For now, feel free to continue reading. Generally, the male broad-breasted white turkey lives a . Broad Breasted White turkeys require careful care and management to stay healthy and productive. When it comes to housing Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. Their legs and feet are grayish-white. You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable turkey body coloring pages. Others manage biosecurity by maintaining a clean and completely secure farm, refusing to allow visitors and keeping turkeys in comfortable barns to keep wild birds away from the flocks food and water supply. All animals and humans have hormones. By 2003 the numbers had grown 200% and by 2006 the Conservancy reported thatmore than 8,800 breeding birds existed in the United States. 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. Although these birds will live for just a few months because they will be butchered for meat. Broad Breasted White Turkey - Sold as Baby Poults Only - No Sexing Available Seasonal/Shipped Feb thru Late July. Read some more information about this domestic turkey breed below. adElem.style.width = ''; The Broad Breasted White is a fast growing turkey breed. var rect = adElemSticky.getBoundingClientRect();
Make sure to keep the eggs at a consistent temperature of around 99-101 degrees Fahrenheit, and rotate them regularly to prevent the embryos from sticking to the sides of the egg. Its also ineffective. If you are raising the broad breasted white turkeys, roosts are not important. (Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Heritage turkeys are old-fashioned breeds with smaller breasts, darker leg meat and heftier price tags than conventionally raised turkeys, but many people say the superior taste is worth the higher cost. Optional Vaccination's are preformed at the hatchery. Here we are listing the most common questions about this turkey breed, and trying to answer them. It is a robust and generally healthy breed that does not usually suffer too many illnesses. Some examples of heritage birds include Standard Bronze, Royal Palm, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Auburn, and Black. 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. Heritage breed turkeys, like their wild relatives, have a natural tendency to cover large areas when foraging. This breed is not known for its natural reproductive ability, and artificial insemination is often used to produce fertile eggs. These birds have small and short bones that are covered in muscles and fat. Secondly, anything labeled hormone-free is already fallacious because all animals are raised with the hormones existing within their own bodies. At this time these birds can weigh 13kgs. That means packing fewer birds into a larger area, resulting in less profit per acre. The white turkey breed has a docile temperament. The Broad Breasted White is a meat turkey breed and they are generally larger in size with an average body weight of 38 to 40 lbs. Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Yakey-Ault, Shutterstock. Its Safe & Best 27 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Eggs? It is arduous to housetrain these turkeys and they do produce a large amount of poop. About Broad Breasted White Turkeys This turkey breed was developed by crossing Hollands and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. A 40-pound tom turkey flaps his wing as Chris Conley carries him to a pen at Raymond's Turkey Farm in Methuen, Mass., on Friday. She's walking fine and doesn't seem to have any issues. Use the search! They are susceptible to cold especially the poults and you will need to confine them in a heated coop. The price of one unsexed broad-breasted white turkey is nearly $7.70. Put a thick layer of a dry and draft free bedding material. 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. Many like the idea of heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. The breed is very good for producing breast meat. Bon Apptit's Test Kitchen put that assumption to the test with a side-by-side . Bronze pin feathers can be dark and visible. The primary use of this breed is the same as with any breed of turkey: meat. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. It is believed that the Bronze Turkey originates from a cross between wild US turkeys and those brought over in the 18th century by settlers from England. The speed range of a broad-breasted white turkey is between 25-55 mph (40.2-88.5 kph). They grow fast and have lots of meat on their chest (hence the name, broad breasted!). They keep these young poults under persistent light for the first 48 hours to motivate them to eat. Wide Ranging. Unlike chickens, turkeys have few predators and require less supervision to keep them safe. These birds demonstrate their masculine features as a sign of dominance and as a way of wooing females. They grow quicker and dress out heavier than heritage counterparts. Hens are smaller and duller than the cocks. In addition to that, their nitrogen rich manure will fertilize your vegetable garden. Heritage breed turkeys are closer to their wild relatives. When a consumer raises its own broad-breasted white turkey for meat, it usually prefers male birds over females. Broad breasted turkeys are huge, fast growing meat turkeys. They are not normally kept past harvest time . These birds have shorter breast bones and larger breasts, sometimes rendering them unable to breed without human assistance (typically via artificial insemination). Unlike broad-breasted varieties, heritage turkey breeds can mate and fly in the same ways as their wild ancestors. Average birds are typically 38-40 lbs. 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. The rearing of broad-breasted white turkeys is not for egg production because of some health issues associated with adulthood. And always try to take good care of your birds. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, They are a cross of Royal Palms and the Broad Breasted Bronze. We didn't feed him anything crazy to make him grow fast. Both hens and toms are raised independently because of their different growth rates. You may also need to artificially inseminate your hens to ensure successful breeding. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. They are much like ducks and chickens with wings but cannot fly long distances like other birds. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys requires ongoing care and management. While broad-breasted white turkeys are bred for their ability to mature quickly, heritage turkeys are allowed to take their time -- the development of healthy skeletons, organs and muscles can take up to 28 weeks [source: American Livestock Breeds Conservancy ]. 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. Midget whites have good mothering skills and will take good care of their baby turkeys well. The breed has also been included in Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste. What is the lifespan of a broad breasted turkey? MIDGET WHITE. Always make sure they their waterers are full to prevent them from dehydrating because of lack of water. } else { Use the search! And they must be artificially inseminated. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A good turkey feed should contain at least 20-24% protein, with a balance of essential amino acids. They are smaller, rarely dressing out above thirty pounds, and must be kept with better fencing because they can escape and roost in trees. Turkeys are very sensitive to moldy and rotten food. These birds are grown in large, fully automated grow-out barns, which may house as many as 10,000 birds. Commercially, heritage breeds compose a small percentage, around 25,000 produced annually compared to 200,000,000 industrial (broad-breasted) birds. The broad-breasted white turkey bird earned its name from the fact that before arriving at European tables, this species traveled through the country of Turkey. The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely used breed of domesticated turkey. This makes them an ideal choice for commercial meat production. They can contract many diseases such as blackhead, avian influenza, aspergillosis, and coryza. However, it is more expensive to breed, and its meat has a milder flavor. 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 Bronze Turkey is too large and heavy to be able to fly and struggles to jump. They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. Underneath its beautiful bronze feathers is an efficient, robust turkey. Most commercial turkey farms purchase poults from hatcheries, raise them within a season or two, process, and purchase again. 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. These critters will not only add color but also ensure you have a reliable source of meat and those jumbo eggs for breakfast. 1. Turkeys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so its important to keep their housing at a consistent temperature. Later, in 1943, Broad Breasted Bronze blood was introduced. Unfortunately, this bird is not used for egg production due to some health issues. The turkeys breasts are so large that the birds are unable to reproduce naturally. They are like the turkeys you buy at the grocery store for Thanksgiving. It is very easy for poults to feed on them. How long does it take to raise a broad breasted white turkey? Quick Facts about Broad Breasted White Turkey, Broad Breasted White Turkey Characteristics, Broad Breasted White Turkey Appearance & Varieties. These birds are very small compared to the size of normal turkeys. adElem.style.width = (rect.width) + 'px'; In 2020, the population size of broad-breasted white turkey was approximately 84.3 million. Your email address will not be published. Hope you will find your answer. Just like chickens, white turkeys have their own requirements too. External parasites should be controlled by use of diatomaceous earth powder. The quality of care you give to your birds is very important. Learn more. What are the characteristics of Broad Breasted White Turkeys? The broad-breasted white turkey is a poultry animal that belongs to the class Aves in phylum Chordata. One advantage of raising broad-breasted white turkey is that you do not have to worry about them as it does not has many predators. 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. They grow so quickly that their hearts eventually just give out. adElemSticky.style.height = rect.height + 'px';
A male turkey is called a tom, whereas a female turkey is known as a hen. 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. adElem.style.display = 'none'; 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. adElemSticky.innerHTML = ''; Most white turkeys are calm, friendly and social meaning they will not harm your kids. The legs of these animals are very short compared to their size. One reason turkey farmers prefer the White breed is its rapid development. Average live body weight of the mature Broad Breasted White turkey is between 17 and 20 kg. Didn't find what you need? The broad-breasted white turkey is a domesticated bird that lives in almost every part of the world. 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). Showing all 2 results. 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. With a little education, you will realize that labels such as heritage or raised without antibiotics mean much more than one based on a widely accepted lie. With that said, the species can be protective of its young, and overall temperament is often governed by the breeder and the amount of socialization the birds have undergone when young. Bourbon Reds originated in Bourbon, Kentucky, from crossing Buff, Standard Bronze, and Holland White. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. Broad Breasted White turkeys are a large breed, with mature toms weighing up to 30 pounds and mature hens weighing up to 20 pounds. The best ways to help the heritage populations are to join in the advocacy, to raise heritage turkeys if you have the farming space, and to purchase heritage turkeys for your meals if you cannot raise them. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Turkeys require a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. Required fields are marked *. Broad Breasted turkeys are very prone to leg problems because their legs have trouble supporting the weight, and turkeys in general can have heart problems (if I recall correctly they have very high blood pressure). Look for feeds that contain a balance of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. White turkeys also need fresh and clean water to drink. Additionally, avoid tossing their foods on beddings because they will collect worm eggs together with food. Do you want more meat or would you rather preserve an endangered breed? Meat from a farmer who feeds antibiotics daily will probably be less expensive because it results in fewer veterinary visits, lower labor costs, and fewer dead birds. We were given two turkeys last year and never planned on butchering them. This breed, developed in the 1960s is a cross between the Royal Palm and the Broad Breasted Whites. And they must be artificially inseminated. They are excellent foragers and will help control weeds and other insect pests on your backyard. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. } (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function () { viAPItag.display("vi_1472596215") }),
It became a hot sensation in Europe because of its epic taste. The Broad Breasted White hens generally lay off white colored eggs. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! The Spanish were the first Europeans to bring turkeys back, resulting in breeds such as Spanish Black and Royal Palm. Are Bronze Turkeys Good for Small-Scale Farming? The resulting bird grew faster, larger, and had a cleaner looking carcass. 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). Broad Breasted White Turkey. A 0.5-acre area is enough for a dozen turkeys in a fenced-in region. The weight range of a broad-breasted white turkey is 29.7-86 lb (13.5-39 kg). While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The name of this new North American breed then became turkey fowl, which was soon shortened to turkey. Mostly because of the nature of the bird. These broad-breasted white turkey birds have broad breasts but shorter breast bones. Although poultry farmers consider it a success story, the White turkey is vulnerable to several medical conditions and rarely lives past five years. The Broad Breasted White turkey quickly became a popular choice for commercial meat production, due to its large size and fast growth rate. It may not display this or other websites correctly. These other birds possess iridescent plumage of multiple colors including green, bronze, blue, and a featherless blue head. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. There is a fleshy appendage in the male that hangs from the beak.
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