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Right now we are raising 6 breeds so I can give you a rundown on them
Midget White, they are small, full sized toms about 20 pounds- they are friendly, not flighty (actually none of the breeds we raise is - you can walk right up to them) Since they are light weight the hens can clear a 6 foot fence easy.
Beltsville Small White, are about the same size, just a little bigger and wider in the breast, they are the most standoff-ish of the ones we raise - unless you have something to eat in your hand they could care less
Royal Palms are "mid sized", they are the only heritage turkey that was never really used for food as they have a different shaped breast bone so you don't get as much meat. They are very striking and one people notice first when they come to our farm
Bourbon Red are a large "mid sized" full sized toms about 30 pounds. they are the most curious turkeys we have to the point of being a pest, they will come right up and see what you are up to, peck at your buttons, shoes, fingers etc etc.
White Holland is a large turkey, toms 30 pounds +, they are the calmest of the breeds we have, very laid back. somewhere in between overly friendly and standoffish.
Standard Bronze is the largest heritage turkey. they aren't as calm as the Hollands but still friendly. It makes some people nervous because of their size- ours are just over 8 months old and are huge. They love to eat whole corn from my hand and are even nice enough to give me back my fingers when they get them by mistake.
Steve in NC
Right now we are raising 6 breeds so I can give you a rundown on them
Midget White, they are small, full sized toms about 20 pounds- they are friendly, not flighty (actually none of the breeds we raise is - you can walk right up to them) Since they are light weight the hens can clear a 6 foot fence easy.
Beltsville Small White, are about the same size, just a little bigger and wider in the breast, they are the most standoff-ish of the ones we raise - unless you have something to eat in your hand they could care less
Royal Palms are "mid sized", they are the only heritage turkey that was never really used for food as they have a different shaped breast bone so you don't get as much meat. They are very striking and one people notice first when they come to our farm
Bourbon Red are a large "mid sized" full sized toms about 30 pounds. they are the most curious turkeys we have to the point of being a pest, they will come right up and see what you are up to, peck at your buttons, shoes, fingers etc etc.
White Holland is a large turkey, toms 30 pounds +, they are the calmest of the breeds we have, very laid back. somewhere in between overly friendly and standoffish.
Standard Bronze is the largest heritage turkey. they aren't as calm as the Hollands but still friendly. It makes some people nervous because of their size- ours are just over 8 months old and are huge. They love to eat whole corn from my hand and are even nice enough to give me back my fingers when they get them by mistake.
Steve in NC
