B B Bronze Turkey life span

[Pine Roost]

So...I bought 4 Bronze turkey's 2 weeks ago, but didnt realize that they were the Broad Breasted breed. After talking to a few people, it sounds like they are only suposed to live about 6 months, then be butchered. I intended to keep them for years...but it sounds like they may get to heavy to support themselves. I was hoping that the Tom's would get big ole' beards and live for a long time!! Can someone give me some info on their average lifespan?

 

[Pine Roost]

Also, will the hens lay eggs? I have 2 hens and 2 Toms. Once they are grown, they'll be living in a 12'x12' pen.

 

[junkprospector]

from my understanding, BBB (Broad Breasted Bronze) toms will get too heavy and break their own legs from the substancial weight gain or have heart failure within 12-18 months. I don't think a long-term plan is a good idea, probably better to plan on butchering these guys at an appropriate time and then if you want some long-term turkeys, get a heritage breed.

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

We have a BBW (broad breasted white) and she's about 40lbs. Her legs are broken / deformed, around the place where her legs bend it has a lump and looks like the bones broke, shifted then mended. We bought her this year, she's 2 years old and lays eggs daily. A Tom will end up breaking his legs though, I'm shocked ours is still walking. We're gonna butcher her come winter

 

[retlaw]

Think she will make winter?

 

[flocksalot]

I have a 2 1/2 year old BBW. Her sister lived to be 2 and her brothers a year and a half. None have ever broken a bone. I do not restrict their diet. Grace, the one that died, and Eva laid very very well then took a long molt and rest. Eva started up this year early spring and has laid every day since. She lays huge eggs, but of course they aren't fertile. We also have Midget Whites and I think running with them has caused Eva to stay healthy. Over the winter when it is extremely cold Eva will come to the front door and ARK. She has a mat she can sit in to warm up. She then goes right back out to chase around with the Midgets. She's a pet and as long I can I will provide for her. Why or how she stays healthy I don't know, but I'm happy to have her however it is.

. Here's Eva.

And here's her next to my 9 1/2 year old

she likes to flirt. Last time we weighed her she was well over 50 pounds.