BBW or no?

[R2elk]

Also, if I'm mistaken regarding the longevity / health of BBW, someone please correct me.

BB turkeys were developed to be processed for meat by the time they are 6 months old at the most.

If they don't get a proper turkey or game bird starter for at least the first 4 weeks they are prone to leg and other health issues.

With proper nutrition as adults, such as Purina's Game Bird maintenance (12.5% protein) and exercise, they can live longer. Hens have a better chance of living longer as long as they aren't kept with toms.

I am aware of one hen that lived to be 9 years old. Any over 3 years are doing good.

 

[Darthdame]

Thank you all for the info. Yeah, we paid $17.99 for them as poults marked as heritage breeds. Sign said Midget White or White Holland. We were familiar with the White Holland and purchased them. Ever since then, I've researched as much as I can and everyone says they're likely BBW. We were afraid of that. They're pretty active currently. They free range with my chickens daily and are put up at night. The tom is more of a loner. He stays with the hen some, but usually on his own. We aren't looking to breed them. Just luck had it they ended up a tom and a hen. I've read males can kill a female when trying to breed if they're bbw. We're new to all this and are aware it could happen. Sucks that it has, but as long as they seem healthy and happy and are having no problems, we will keep them as pets. Thank you all for the information. I'll definitely avoid tractor supply for anything other than chicks in the future. We were just sad losing the neighbors turkey that we loved dearly and thought it was a sign when we saw these. (I honestly fought for geese harder, but hubby said NOOOOO to that one ) I appreciate all the responses and information. Thank you, again.

 

[Zenmonkey]

Thank you all for the info. Yeah, we paid $17.99 for them as poults marked as heritage breeds. Sign said Midget White or White Holland.

I would feel cheated. That really unfortunate.

(I honestly fought for geese harder, but hubby said NOOOOO to that one ) I appreciate all the responses and information. Thank you, again.

I had geese a long time ago. I don't currently. Domestic geese eat a higher fiber, lower energy diet when free ranged, I think. This translates into a larger volume of feces than any other birds I've ever raised. I think it has to be experienced to be believed. It's amazing. You may have dodged a bullet.

@R2elk thank you so much for that information!

 

[Darthdame]

I would feel cheated. That really unfortunate.



I had geese a long time ago. I don't currently. Domestic geese eat a higher fiber, lower energy diet when free ranged, I think. This translates into a larger volume of feces than any other birds I've ever raised. I think it has to be experienced to be believed. It's amazing. You may have dodged a bullet.

@R2elk thank you so much for that information!

I didn't even think of that aspect! It definitely makes sense, though. So you're probably right on that one. Fly away home was my favorite as a girl, so I've always loved them. Lol. I really want ducks, but everyone I've spoken to and the research I've done said they aren't the friendliest and make the biggest messes out of most birds so I haven't pulled the trigger on that yet. Still not sure if I will or not. But I appreciate all the information as well. That's why I come here. You guys know your stuff and I really appreciate it!

 

[Eggscoozme]

You don't have BBW's. Mine were easily 40 lbs dressed weight by 6 months.

I have 3 Midget Whites I bought from TSC. They are 5 months old. Can you tell what sex they are now?

 

[R2elk]

I have 3 Midget Whites I bought from TSC. They are 5 months old. Can you tell what sex they are now?

All 3 appear to be hens.

 

[Eggscoozme]

P.S. I have 1 1/2 yr old geese, and LOVE them. They are American Buff, and are great alarms. Sweet, non aggressive. Two girls.

All 3 appear to be hens.

Thank you! What would I look for at this age if they were Toms?

 

[R2elk]

P.S. I have 1 1/2 yr old geese, and LOVE them. They are American Buff, and are great alarms. Sweet, non aggressive. Two girls.

Thank you! What would I look for at this age if they were Toms?

At 5 months, toms would be bald on top, larger caruncles and snoods that swell well beyond the end of the beak.

Their legs would be visibly heavier than those of hens. Their beards should be visible and thicker than that of a bearded hen.

 

[Eggscoozme]

At 5 months, toms would be bald on top, larger caruncles and snoods that swell well beyond the end of the beak.

Their legs would be visibly heavier than those of hens. Their beards should be visible and thicker than that of a bearded hen.

Thank you! Yep, all hens!