Heritage Turkeys, Butcher Weight Timeline

[OPA Acres]

Hello,

This is our first year raising turkeys. We have 3 different breeds of heritage (Blue Slate, Red Bourban, and Black). Everywhere I read says that they will reach "market weight" in 26-28 weeks. My question is - what is market weight?

We would like a 10-15 pound turkey to put in the oven -- from your experience/knowledge, how long will it take for these heritage breeds to reach that size for the freezer.

Thank you!

 

[casportpony]

@muddy75, can you help?

 

[R2elk]

@muddy75, can you help?

Muddy does BBs, not heritage. I have processed heritage toms at 4 months and got 10 to 12 lb. carcasses.

 

[muddy75]

@R2elk has way more experience with heritage breeds, mine is with BB. but general conversion for turkey is 72% so you will want a live weight of 20-25lbs to have a 10-15# turkey. with BB I have achieved this in 3-5 months with white toms being the fastest growing. I would say that with heritage breeds 24 weeks will probably be the minimum grow out.

 

[R2elk]

@R2elk has way more experience with heritage breeds, mine is with BB. but general conversion for turkey is 72% so you will want a live weight of 20-25lbs to have a 10-15# turkey. with BB I have achieved this in 3-5 months with white toms being the fastest growing. I would say that with heritage breeds 24 weeks will probably be the minimum grow out.

Depending on the variety, it can take a full year to get a 20 lb. carcass. Royal Palm toms have dressed at 15 lbs. at a year old for me.

 

[Huntmaster]

I have several different varieties of heritage turkeys. Depending on variety at 6 - 7 months old mine are anywhere from 14 to 18 pounds dressed.

 

[Huntmaster]

I have several different varieties of heritage turkeys. Depending on variety at 6 - 7 months old mine are anywhere from 14 to 18 pounds dressed.

I should have added that those are toms at that weight. Hens are 8 to 12 pounds.

 

[Molpet]

My jakes dress out 10 to 12 at 6 months