New to Turkeys

LukeEsson · Dec 6, 2015

Hi there,
just wondering if any one can give me a hand, were currently looking at getting some turkeys and breeding them for meat. My question is do you only eat a female turkey or do you normally eat the male one as well? may sound a bit of a stupid question but I've been told different things.
Many thanks Luke

Free Spirit · Dec 6, 2015

Welcome to BYC

You can eat either hens or toms. Toms are larger in any breed.

If you are going to breed then you need to look at Heritage Breeds. Commercial types (i.e. Broad Breasted Bronze and Broad Breasted Whites) are too large to breed and have to be artificially inseminated. Heritage Breeds are smaller and can breed naturally.

Here are some helpful links about some of the Heritage Breeds:

http://www.livestockconservancy.org/index.php/resources/internal/heritage-turkey
http://www.grit.com/animals/heritage-turkey-breeds.aspx
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/heritage-turkey-breeds.aspx
http://www.efowl.com/Heritage_Turkey_Breeds_s/110.htm

In the book "Storey's Guide to Raising Turkeys" lists the Heritage Breeds along with a good amount of information about each one including standard weights to help you choose the right one for you. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storeys-guide-to-raising-turkeys-3rd-edition-don-schrider/1111450373 . I recommend getting this book and reading it to help you with things you may need prior to getting turkeys. Such as, what type will be best for you. What type of housing, roosting, pens they require. What type of feed. Breeding and Hatching. The butchering process. Illnesses to be on the look out for. Etc.

New to Turkeys

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