How long do heritage breed turkeys remain reproductive?

[zowieyellowflame]

Hello! I am going to try raising heritage turkeys this time. I sometimes see ads where someone is selling a breeding pr of turkeys that are 3 yrs old. Will a turkey hen go broody at that age? At what age does she "retire"? Are there any signs that they are old?Are old, "retired" hens and toms as good to eat as young turkeys? I am looking at standard bronze, royal palms, midget white, eastern wild or bourbon reds.
Also, is eastern wild actually a heritage breed?
Can heritage turkeys be raised with chickens or must they be kept separate for disease control? (like bbw)
Can heritage turkeys be raised with bbw?
Thanks!

 

[ivan3]

Please check out ALBC: http://albc-usa.org/EducationalResources/downloads.html

The answer is on the first page of their Turkey manual (download the other turkey info as well, it is useful).

Chickens & Turkeys: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/591070/3-month-old-turkey-with-blackhead

 

[zowieyellowflame]

Thanks for that info! It is great!