At What Age Do Bourbon Red Turkeys Get To 33lbs? (New To Raising Turkeys)

[MysteryChicken]

I ordered some Bourbon Reds hatching eggs today, and would like to know at what age the turkeys get to reach 33 pounds at slaughter? Would be helpful to know.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Tom's may reach that weight at about 2 years. Heritage turkeys are slow to mature. You could get males close to 20 pounds by a year. Hens will never be 33 pounds.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Tom's may reach that weight at about 2 years. Heritage turkeys are slow to mature. You could get males close to 20 pounds by a year. Hens will never be 33 pounds.

I was mainly talking about the toms. How much would they weigh at 6 months? (28wks)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

At 6 months they are pretty scrawny. We butchered at 8 months and they were around 17 pounds.

 

[MysteryChicken]

At 6 months they are pretty scrawny. We butchered at 8 months and they were around 17 pounds.

Okay, they arrive on the 9th, and will go into the incubator on the 10th. They'll hatch on the 8th of may, and will be 6 months old on the 20th of November. Thanksgiving is on the 28th this year. We want a big bird, and the heritage turkeys were cheaper at the time.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't think they will have much meat unfortunately. They will eat a lot of feed too reaching that age.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I don't think they will have much meat unfortunately. They will eat a lot of feed too reaching that age.

Is it possible to speed up the meat production on the turkeys with a high protien, nutrient rich diet?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you wanted rapid growth broad breasted would be a better choice. Heritage will grow at a slower rate. Turkey poults should be given a 28% starter, than dropped to a 24% after 6 weeks. Than eventually a 18-20% ration. Trying to push growth too quickly can cause leg problems in some.

 

[MysteryChicken]

If you wanted rapid growth broad breasted would be a better choice. Heritage will grow at a slower rate. Turkey poults should be given a 28% starter, than dropped to a 24% after 6 weeks. Than eventually a 18-20% ration. Trying to push growth too quickly can cause leg problems in some.

Okay, but the Broad Breasted varieties were a bit too pricey right now. Will a boosted protien diet hurt a heritage breed, or just the Broad Breasted ones?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Perhaps @R2elk will add his experiences.