Broad Breasted Bronze

[chickensioux]

BBB and leg problems

 

[chickensioux]

Has anyone ever heard of a BBB not having leg issues or is it always a given?

 

[moduckman]

The broadbreasted bronze turkey is an interesting bird. They grow very large and have an almost difficult time breeding due to their size and the fact the toms have been known to break a hen's back (found out this first hand). Their legs just cannot support their large bodies. Once their legs start giving out it is really sad to watch. If you want to only butcher, then these or the whites are what you want. If you want to butcher and maybe raise some, try one of the many other beautiful varieties out there. Hope this is helpful.

 

[chickensioux]

Now I'm nervous, I am already commited to receiving a BBB hen for a pet. I guess I will try to restrict feed as best and as safely as possible. I just want her for a pet to enjoy watching. Hope I can keep her happy and healthy.
Thanks for your help
Sue

 

[duckncover]

try putting her on a strict healthy food diet. i wouldn't feed her regular food at all!

And don't leave the food down. she'll just eat it till it's gone!

 

[Picco]

I know several people who have kept the BB varieties as pets. They do tend to suffer from health problems once they reach a large size but hens are a lot better off. If you free range them they build stronger legs and eat healthier wild food, if they are contained in a pen they tend to stand by the feeder and eat all day.

 

[moduckman]

Since you have already committed and do not plan to eat them, go to the local Wal-Mart and get a small bottle of magnesium. Crush up the pills and periodically add some to their feed. This is said to help their leg joints, at least a vet told me that.