Bourbon Red Size?

[flockman]

How big are BR's at 4-5 months old? I am really considering them as a possibility this next year. Thanks!

 

[Scottingitup]

4-5 months hmm pretty light if you are looking for meat birds, I've never weighed mine at that age but I would guess 5- 8lbs? In my experience they don't really start packing on weight until month 7 or 8. Then they gain roughly a lb/week until mature weight.

 

[flockman]

Thank you! I did not know the age that people butcher their turkeys. I figured it hat to be at least 4-5 months old. Thank you for the information. I am interested in trying them this spring.

 

[Arielle]

THe BBW and BBB go to market at the 4 month age; the heritage are much slower in growing. I have two boys at about 5 months, and honestly I have not weighed them. With all their feathers they look big enough to eat, but it is just an illusion.

 

[frank53061]

I have Red Bourbons and I just Dispatched a Tom for a Teacher for her Family Thanks giving dinner and she said it was 18 lbs at this time he was close to 8 months old.
So at 9 to 10 months I would hope the rest of the Toms to be close to 25 lbs.
By the way I have not yet eaten any of my Turkeys but the School Teacher said it was the best Turkey her family had ever had.
I plan on having a Tom for Christmas Dinner.

 

[Celie]

All the hatcheries I check with lately say they on average should weigh 33 pounds for a tom, but they don't say whay mature age is?

 

[Scottingitup]

All the hatcheries I check with lately say they on average should weigh 33 pounds for a tom, but they don't say whay mature age is?

That takes anywhere from 12-18 months to reach that weight. I process mine at around 20 lbs (8-10 month range) - I am breeding mine to reach it by the 8 month range - the fastest grower(s) i keep for breeding every other year. I am no expert though so we'll see how that works out for me. Next year I plan on keeping actual weight records.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I think you are on the right track. If you keep the biggest birds ( if the age is the same) you should increase the size over the generations. Weighing can be helpful too.

FYI. I ended up with very large sheep but not as much muscling when I selected only for growth rate. Do be sure to check that meat quantities are also increasing with the body size.

 

[sandspoultry]

I think you are on the right track. If you keep the biggest birds ( if the age is the same) you should increase the size over the generations. Weighing can be helpful too.

FYI. I ended up with very large sheep but not as much muscling when I selected only for growth rate. Do be sure to check that meat quantities are also increasing with the body size.

I agree 100% keeping the biggest birds as breeders will over time give you bigger birds. Fastest weight gain will take much more time and very careful record keeping. You will need to label them so as to keep track of each bird and do monthly weighings.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: At what age do you recommend starting the monthly weighing?? And do you put out more feeder space to be sure the quietest and smallest can get the same amount of feed? I can see where crowding can mess with the results.