Average lifespan.

[XChickenCrossingX]

Hello, I'm getting a bronze turkey and heard somewhere they don't live as long. Not sure if that is true. Based on YOUR experience, whats your best guess on what the average free range turkey would live?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Do you mean heritage bronze or broad breasted bronze (meat bird)?

 

[XChickenCrossingX]

Do you mean heritage bronze or broad breasted bronze (meat bird)?

I think I'm getting heritage, also it is male.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

The broad breasted bronze are the ones they are talking about that don't live as long. As a meat bird, it is not bred for longevity and they are known to get so big and heavy they run into health problems and die young, which generally is not an issue since they are "meant" to be slaughtered but some people do try to rescue them or unknowingly raise them as pets. Some have success and some don't, just like with the cornish X.

 

[R2elk]

I think I'm getting heritage, also it is male.

If you don't have other turkeys and are not getting the turkey to raise to eat, I very highly recommend that you do not get a single turkey and definitely not a tom. Turkeys are flock birds and very social. They do not do well as lone birds.

 

[XChickenCrossingX]

If you don't have other turkeys and are not getting the turkey to raise to eat, I very highly recommend that you do not get a single turkey and definitely not a tom. Turkeys are flock birds and very social. They do not do well as lone birds.

Dont worry, he will have more than enough company.

 

[R2elk]

Dont worry, he will have more than enough company.

The company needs to be other turkeys.