Has anyone used a BBW hen for breeding. . .

[Arielle]

to a heritage tom, of course.

Original hen for the BR tom died. ANd I put a 10 week BBW hen in for company. Got me thinking again of BBW x BR. Can he do the job? Will the poults grow faster than heritage with heavier breast? What are your thoughts on this terminal cross? ANyone try this?

 

[ColbyNTX]

It is done all the time. The trick is to feed the BBW a restricted diet and get her plenty of room to roam so she doesn't get too big and fall over dead or break a leg.

 

[Arielle]

Colby--is the restricted diet for only during the grow out time? It's not her whole life right?

 

[ColbyNTX]

I have never tried to raise a BB turkey for breeding. They are bred to grow. Not giving it free choice of a high protien diet 24/7 would be good. Genetics of the bird will also be a big factor. Just watch the hen as she grows and if she is getting too big, cut her feed back.