Heritage Turkey Question

[SkyWarrior]

I just slaughtered my last BBW and he weighed in at 45 lbs or so. I started thinking about the heritage breeds I'm getting (they're actually a mixed heritage breeds from Porters) this spring. I was wondering how big are they going to get? And how do they eat compared to the BBW? I mean, the BBWs were pigs and went though the feed amazingly fast.

How do the heritage birds do?

 

[ColbyNTX]

Heritage birds will not get anywhere near that weight! They are still pigs but don't eat as much as the BB's per day. You do feed them another 4-5 months longer than a BB turkey. A good tom at 9 months will dress around 20lbs. A 45lb turkey won't even fit in most ovens. I like to butcher my Thanksgiving turkey on Sunday. In a cooler with salt/ice till Monday then in the fridge until Thursday. So tender and flavorful!