Heritage Turkeys

[CBDean]

Have 3 Heritage turkeys that was hatched around the 1st of July. They are free roaming with feed in the coop. At what age do most people butcher them?

 

[Molpet]

I start butchering my jakes at 6 months. They grow the frame first and then start putting on meat. Around 18 months mine are about as meaty as they get.

 

[CBDean]

Thanks

 

[Penpal]

I have also read that 18 months at butchering gives a much better flavor than 6 months. You would need to stagger your butchering to find out what you like best.

 

[farmer90]

I'm planning to get turkeys next year so making already plans for next year's Christmas dinner.
When heritage turkey prime age is 18 months, how long do let your BBs grow? I'd like as big as I can get without the poor thing suffering because of it's weight.

 

[Molpet]

I'm planning to get turkeys next year so making already plans for next year's Christmas dinner.
When heritage turkey prime age is 18 months, how long do let your BBs grow? I'd like as big as I can get without the poor thing suffering because of it's weight.

BB are starting to get harvested at 16 weeks...to 20 weeks. I have heard of people who did 6 months and had a 60lb tom that didn't fit in the oven.

I tried to keep a BBB hen for breeding by restricted diet and exercise. She got too big for her legs anyway at 18 months.