Broad Breasted Bronze vs Giant Whites... for meat

[AK-Bird-brain]

I bought mine (day olds) in July and butchered in September cause I didnt want to insulate and heat the coup.
Started them on "medicated game bird starter" when that 50 lb sack was gone switched them to "turkey grower" for 2 50 lb sacks than switched to "turkey finisher" and when that 50 lb sack was gone it was butcher time.
I had to refill their feeder every day or two and water can every day and a half.

We only had 3 adults and 2 kids for Thanksgiving dinner this year so had plenty of left overs.

 

[sgray136]

Mine was a seven month old white.

 

[hooligan]

Do they have problems walking once that size? And is it the feed that causes them to get so big?
I would like to have turkeys someday, though as pets not to butcher.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you get a heritage breed, they won't get leg problems like the meat types. That white bb there is the turkey equivalent to cornish x's.

 

[sgray136]

Mine was only seven months old. I don't know if he would have developed problems or not. I do know that he walked and ran quite well while chasing my son, then my wife and then my daughter around the yard and there cars. This one was tame until the last month when he turned aggresive. His fate was written when he pecked my granddaughter in the face just below her eye and made her bleed. We really liked him up until that moment. He now occupies a place of honor on our dining room wall framed as you see him before and after title Tom 2007. Tom ate with the free ranging chickens with nothing extra except what he gleaned on his own. He was a free ranger also.

 

[JimnJanet]

All i'm thinkin here is .....hunnert gallon o' peanut oil and a HUGE alyoominium pot.
Oh yeah, and finaly enough o' that wonderfully crispy sklin to go around.

 

[sgray136]

Too big for the fryer. Had to get a meat processor to smoke him. He said that he wouldn't do one as big as him again. LOL

I'm going for a smaller breed next time.

 

[BrahmaMama]

I was thinking about getting a couple of the BB's, but feed cost wise, I don't know if I'm coming out ahead..! Of course I will know how he is treated here, and I'm guessing the taste may be a bit better...?

 

[Chickee's Mom]

What a great post, I am so interested in both these breeds as I have a pair of both.

The big white tom is great, except when one Grandson comes in the barn wearing his RED coat and the big guy wants to chase him. I bought them in the fall so they will be a year old this spring.

Hoping they will raise there own babies. I have heard both these breeds have a hard time mating, so far so good here!!!

I am getting an egg from the hens every two days.

I had to separate them a couple of months ago, the toms were fighting real bad.

They get fed what my chickens eat.

We butchered 4 white hens in the fall, and I have to tell you I will never buy a turkey from the store again.
They averaged about 24lbs. Best tasting turkey ever, but from the neighbours I hear the BBB taste even better.

Great pictures you guys, and mmmmm making my mouth water. How long before Easter and where on earth am I going to get a home grown turkey by then??

 

[newbiecaroline]

Hi Vivian, I was wondering if you meant yours has hatched eggs?
"Hoping they will raise there own babies. I have heard both these breeds have a hard time mating, so far so good here!!!"
I 've never seen a turkey egg are they big and have you ate them?
I'm getting some BBB from feed lot in Medicine Hat - day olds they order from a hatchery in Westlock. Rochesters?
Do you coop yours in with regular chickens all winter?
sorry about all the questions!
Caroline