- Oct 15, 2012
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Hey guys, just looking for some suggestions on a heritage turkey breed. We live in northern idaho on 5 acres of pine forest. We intend to free range our birds (chickens, ducks, turkeys) but we have some cold, long winters. We're looking for a nice, hardy bird with a good temperament as we have small children and need something that isn't crazy territorial.... I was thinking about bourbon reds, they sound like fantastic birds but thought I'd see what other people suggest for breeds.
I've read that with most heritage turkeys it pretty much boils down to aesthetics and temperament, something about no major difference between most of the breeds in size or flavor? If this is the case we're quite partial to the local wild turkey plumage, so if aesthetics is one of the biggest factors then that's what makes us happy lol.
We'd like something with a bit of breast as well as leg, something that can potentially grow into a family Thanksgiving bird, and put out some mighty fine lunch meat and a tasty dinner now and then. Egg production isn't very important to us, as we have chickens already as well as more chicks and ducklings in the brooder.
What do you guys raise and enjoy as a small homestead meat bird?
I've read that with most heritage turkeys it pretty much boils down to aesthetics and temperament, something about no major difference between most of the breeds in size or flavor? If this is the case we're quite partial to the local wild turkey plumage, so if aesthetics is one of the biggest factors then that's what makes us happy lol.
We'd like something with a bit of breast as well as leg, something that can potentially grow into a family Thanksgiving bird, and put out some mighty fine lunch meat and a tasty dinner now and then. Egg production isn't very important to us, as we have chickens already as well as more chicks and ducklings in the brooder.
What do you guys raise and enjoy as a small homestead meat bird?