Broad-breasted turkey is a popular farm bird and humans generally raise them for their higher meat production capacity. You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable turkey body coloring pages. I have two hens that are 11 months old right now and they are doing fine. The idea was to get a breed that could mature fast and offer much meat. I do not know what the average is but I know it is a good bit lower than that. The White Holland is a very old breed whose country of origin is in the United States. These birds are highly valued in the United States especially during Thanks giving where millions are butchered for meat. These birds are raised for meat and have large breasts which are easily bruised by roost bars. They are much like ducks and chickens with wings but cannot fly long distances like other birds. External parasites should be controlled by use of diatomaceous earth powder. One of its relatives, the Broad Breasted Bronze turkey, was a popular commercial bird until it was replaced by the Beltsville White. Others must euthanize sick birds to keep the rest of the flock safe. Read some more information about this domestic turkey breed below. Look for birds that are free of defects, have good muscle tone, and are a good weight for their age and breed. adElem.style.top = ''; Turkeys are also vigilant and vocal, chirping as young birds and gobbling as adults in response to loud noises. Be very limiting of any treats, especially BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seeds) and any other high fat foods. They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. Keeping track of your turkeys weight, growth rate, and overall health is important for their well-being and productivity. The Bronze Turkey can grow to 4 feet tall and have a 6-foot wingspan. Here we are listing the most common questions about this turkey breed, and trying to answer them. It is very easy for poults to feed on them. This makes them an ideal choice for commercial meat production. The Broad Breasted White turkey quickly became a popular choice for commercial meat production, due to its large size and fast growth rate. The other seems very healthy. Since muscle is built as the animal moves, hormones would be ineffective because broad-breasted turkeys and Cornish Cross chickens rarely do more than flap around a little. There is a fleshy appendage in the male that hangs from the beak. The speed range of a broad-breasted white turkey is between 25-55 mph (40.2-88.5 kph). How Do Cats Show Affection? }()). 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. These birds eat together, sleep together, and roam together. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Later, in 1943, Broad Breasted Bronze blood was introduced. Broad breasted turkeys are huge, fast growing meat turkeys. Required fields are marked *. If you are raising the broad breasted white turkeys, roosts are not important. They will require artificial insemination if they have to reproduce. can extend sperm life up to 10 hours prior to insemination. Actually, the Broad Breasted Whites were breed specifically to produce maximum meat. They are rare and currently they are listed as endangered. When it comes to feeding Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. However, it is more expensive to breed, and its meat has a milder flavor. They are prone to leg and back problems due to their heavy nature. (function () { 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. Keep mealworms to a minimum. ", 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. Added hormones within our poultry is something we will probably never have to worry about. All varieties of domestic turkey descend from the Mexican turkey. The do free range in the day, but have food readily in the coop. Then make a very good house for your birds. But avoiding antibiotics in your familys meat may be worth the added price. Our Nicholas strain hens reach 25 pounds, and the toms as much as 45 pounds. However, review full breed profile of this turkey breed in the following chart. Many like the idea of heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. When a consumer raises its own broad-breasted white turkey for meat, it usually prefers male birds over females. Both young and adults need different requirements according to their behavior, size, and age. Hope you will find your answer. The broad-breasted white turkey is a poultry animal that belongs to the class Aves in phylum Chordata. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. That is why Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the broad-breasted white turkey the national emblem of America. Broad-breasted white turkey birds live in a group of several turkeys. In the United States of America, the male broad-breasted white turkey (Heritage turkey breed) is known as a tom, whereas, in the UK, it is known as stages. Previously, it was thought the domestication of turkey has occurred in middle Mesoamerica about 2,000 years ago, but a recent study found that subsequent domestication happened in the southwest United States between 200 BC and AD 500. Is Broad Breasted White turkey farming profitable? You may also want to separate the poults from the adult turkeys to prevent injury or illness. A male turkey is called a tom, whereas a female turkey is known as a hen. 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. It's just genetics. 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. Broad-Breasted White and other large breed turkeys (referred to as "Industry" or "Commercial Turkeys" by the meat industry) have been selectively bred by humans exclusively for the purpose of increasing both their body mass and growth rates to make them more efficient to raise and slaughter in vast numbers while increasing overall profitability if ((_footer && _footer.getBoundingClientRect().top < 500)) { } else { In addition to that, these birds will also enrich your garden with their rich manure. There is demand for both types of meat, especially around holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. So keeping her lighter can help you keep her longer. The Broad Breasted White turkeys are a very popular breed of turkey in commercial farming. These birds are a great choice to keep. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy. The broad-breasted turkey is the most popular domesticated turkey breed in the world. The Standard is considered a heritage breed and it is known for having gamey meat that can be considered strong. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Many turkey farmers opt for concrete or gravel flooring, as these materials are durable and easy to sanitize. And always try to take good care of your birds. Except for Antarctica, white turkeys live on every continent in the world. Turkeys have been domesticated in Mesoamerica for more than 2,000 years. Slate Turkey: Pictures, Info, Traits, and Care Guide, Bourbon Red Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics. By 2003 the numbers had grown 200% and by 2006 the Conservancy reported thatmore than 8,800 breeding birds existed in the United States. The Broad Breasted White was another response to changing consumer demand. They suck blood, damage the growing feathers and bruise the skin. These birds will add color and also entertain you in various ways. For turkey poults, the egg carton is a perfect initial feeder. It is costlier than the white breed because of the quality of the meat. After numerous days, breeders remove the pens and allow the young poults to meet with hundreds and thousands of mature birds. Before development of the breed, the Broad Breasted Bronze breed held the dominant position on the turkey market. 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. Currently, they are listed as endangered species by the Livestock Conservancy and are in the blink of extinction. adElem.style.zIndex = '21'; Today, it is considered a somewhat rare breed, but the Standard has gamey meat that is still considered a delicacy and can fetch a decent price at market. The breed declined after the commercial adoption of the Broad Breasted White, like most other turkey breeds. Genetically, White turkeys are not healthy animals, but theyre considered hardy species less affected by climate conditions. Less than 5 months after birth, the turkeys are loaded haphazardly in large trailers and taken to the slaughterhouse. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. They are like the turkeys you buy at the grocery store for Thanksgiving. Its floor should be strong so that predators will not burrow under and sneak in. } Read on for more information on the breed and to determine whether it is a good fit for your farming operation. It has white feathers and short legs. } else { Didn't find what you need? If industrial poultry grew faster than it already did, it would suffer more health problems and mortality than it already does. Disclosure. And currently the breed is one of the most popular heritage turkey breeds in the United States. What Does a Chicken Coop Need for Winter? You can keep her as a pet but be prepared for your heart to ache when she does pass. Due to their large size, Broad Breasted White turkeys are prone to a variety of health issues, including leg problems, heart disease, and respiratory infections. Even with these extenders, . MIDGET WHITE. The Bronze Turkey is too large and heavy to be able to fly and struggles to jump. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 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. }; 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. Plans underway to breed them back being in progress in the US and Canada. And they can not breed easily mainly because of the bulf of their hefty breasts. This will ensure they move in and out freely without getting stuck and hurting their backs and legs. A good turkey feed should contain at least 20-24% protein, with a balance of essential amino acids. 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. All animals and humans have hormones. I had one of them die from a vent prolapse and being pecked by chickens so I've been doing a lot of research. The legs of these animals are very short compared to their size. This can be in the form of a large barn or shed, or an outdoor enclosure with plenty of room to roam. You can make good profits from this business if you can do everything perfectly. Turkeys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so its important to keep their housing at a consistent temperature. The Broad Breasted White is the commercial turkey of choice for large scale industrial turkey farms, and consequently is the most consumed variety of the bird. Quick Facts about Broad Breasted White Turkey, Broad Breasted White Turkey Characteristics, Broad Breasted White Turkey Appearance & Varieties. 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 enormous turkeys generally are for meat production. When farmers supply a spacious coop for the turkeys and feed them a healthy diet, they can live up to 5 years. This commercial strain (a cross of two breeds, but not technically a breed in its own right) represents some 99 . Yes, broad-breasted white turkey birds can make good indoor pets. Feed your birds with good and nutritious food. Its important to monitor your birds regularly for signs of illness or injury, and to treat any issues promptly to prevent the spread of disease. These birds demonstrate their masculine features as a sign of dominance and as a way of wooing females. People rear various breeds of turkey for meat, especially for thanksgiving occasions. It is a robust and generally healthy breed that does not usually suffer too many illnesses. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. I have several stories of him that might make him seem like an a**hole but he's really just a sweet bird. They are generally short-lived birds, and they have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch. Can you do veggies and melons? Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for these birds: Turkeys require a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment. You are using an out of date browser. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. Most of us are willing to pay more for a bird raised without added hormones, right? Common external parasites are lice and scaly mites. Humans usually reproduce turkeys for meat only. If it is not slaughtered by this point, then it will die from heart failure. Avoid squatting around your toms. Theyre prone to joint problems, cardiac issues, skeletal weakness, and a limited immune response to pathogens. The development or growth rate was 0.55% per year. These are the things that should be done to meet their requirements and ensure a happy and healthy flock. Turkeys are very sensitive to moldy and rotten food. Your email address will not be published. The breed is the one that most American are familiar with. Male broad-breasted white turkey price is roughly $8.90, whereas female broad-breasted white turkey or hen usually sold for about $8.05. Another thing you can do is to use plastic chick feeders with oval-shaped openings to feed these birds. However, these birds led to frustrations as they weighed much less than it was anticipated. This breed is often used for commercial meat production due to its size and meat quality. Due to its broad breast, the Midget White has quality meat characteristics, making it a fine table bird. These turkeys are small and white in color. 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. } Females usually have less weight than males. 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. The broad-breasted turkeys have a high rate of eggs hatch. According to The Livestock Conservancy the Jersey Buff turkey is critically endangered. 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. Unlike broad-breasted varieties, heritage turkey breeds can mate and fly in the same ways as their wild ancestors. But sometimes they can weight more. Make sure to provide plenty of water sources, and clean and refill them daily to prevent contamination. The Broad Breasted White turkey is the most popular and widely raised breed of domestic turkey. Broad Breasted White turkeys have white feathers, a pinkish-white head and neck, and a bright red wattle and snood. 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. A fully matured tom turkey can be expected to reach up to 32 pounds. These birds were used to develop the Broad Breasted Whites after crossing them with the Broad Breasted White. This is the reason these little critters are fed on a gamebird feed because it contains 28-30% protein. It is ready for butchering in as little as 5 months, but its meat is considered milder and sells for less. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your email address will not be published. If you've fallen in love with how friendly and beautiful turkeys can be, might I suggest that you consider getting heritage breed turkeys? Bronze turkeys stand 4 feet tall, with a 15 to 18-inch tail and a 6-foot wingspan. Two types of broad-breasted turkeys exist: white and bronze/brown. Turkey poults have less meat but sometimes they are still eaten by humans and predators too. See also: Bourbon Red Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics, Featured Image Credit: Lev Levin, Shutterstock. Males are referred to as toms (stags in Europe), females are hens, and the chicks are called poults or turkeylings. 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. These supplements are fed as a treat in moderation because they are not their main diet. window.onscroll = function () {
But thisalso promotes questions:What is a heritage turkey? Bourbon Reds are relatively larger than many breeds of turkeys, which is what makes them more ideal for meat production. First of all, select a very good location for your farm. Because they havent been bred with the focus of producing a lot of meat within a short period of time, they grow slower and therefore can live for years without health problems. It is arduous to housetrain these turkeys and they do produce a large amount of poop. These birds have small breasts, long legs and are super hardy being able to adapt easily. Bronze pin feathers can be dark and visible. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Breeding work is continuing with the latter introduction in the hope of still further improving the type. The quality of care you give to your birds is very important. 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. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. If yours are only 3 months old and already have breathing issues, they are not likely to make it to 3 years old unless you make drastic changes to their diet which includes. No! 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 matter which method the farmer chooses, all reflect in final purchasing prices in heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. Still today the Buff variety is rare, and the Broad Breasted White turkey is continuing to edge out all other heritage turkey breeds. Provide them with a high-quality turkey feed, as well as fresh water and occasional treats like insects, worms, and vegetables. 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. The Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage breed and these, in turn, are very well domesticated. Yes, sure! Nesting boxes should be clean, dry, and lined with clean bedding such as straw or wood shavings. White turkeys are good birds. Your email address will not be published. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They easily feed small families and fit in small refrigerators where other large meat birds will not fit whole. Talking white turkeys, there are four pure white breeds that are known. Consumers in the early 20th century were bothered by the color of the Bronze turkeys meat. adElem.style.top = '10px'; One reason turkey farmers prefer the White breed is its rapid development. I weighed our girl that we have left and she's about 23 pounds right now and 10 months old. Excellent choices for smaller farms and families include the Midget White and Beltsville Small White. They are excellent foragers and will help control weeds and other insect pests on your backyard. At this time these birds can weigh 13kgs. The turkeys are not given food or water during the trip, and some are not stunned before theyre butchered. Their largest population is in the United States. Dont hesitate to ask us if you have more questions. The Broad Breasted White turkey is favored because of its near-perfect carcass appearance. This will protect them from harsh weather and keep them from turkey predators like wild dogs which hunt them for food. Heritage breed turkeys, like their wild relatives, have a natural tendency to cover large areas when foraging. It is widely used for commercial meat production, as well as for exhibition and breeding purposes. Today these birds are highly popular throughout the world and they are excellent for meat production. Its also ineffective. This is because a broad-breasted that is allowed to grow to maturity can dress out at over fifty pounds. Learn more about pastured turkeys fromAcres USA. Generally, a Broad Breasted White hen can lay around or up to 100 eggs per year. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely used breed of domesticated turkey. Broad Breasted White turkeys are a large breed, with mature toms weighing up to 30 pounds and mature hens weighing up to 20 pounds. It is a cross between a white Holland and a bronze-breasted white turkey. At the same time, it banned hormone use for poultry and pork.
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