Meat Turkeys (would help if I could spell meat right)

[Must Be Losing It]

What breed is the best for meat but can also reproduce naturally? I've heard Bourbon Reds were good, but is this info accurate?

Julie

 

[monarc23]

that i know of it is, if i get turkeys THEY will be the heratiage breed i get

 

[Must Be Losing It]

Aren't Bourbon Reds considered heritage? Or did I misread that one?

 

[Backswampcub]

Depends if you are wanting a holiday bird or a any occasion bird. If you want to raise a big holiday bird go with bourbans or Bronzes. If you want a any occasion turkey that is smaller and suitable for regular table use. Go with Midget whites or Beltsville whites.

 

[sandspoultry]

The Midget Whites were voted best tasting turkey in a blind taste test by the Americian Livestock Breeds Conservancy last year. I agree 100% they are our fav. table bird. The Bourbon Red came in seperate.

All the heritage breeds can self reproduce so it would go by taste and size

The smaller breeds are the Midget White and Beltsville Small White (actually both breeds were developed as small meat type turkey) In the 40's and 50's the BSW was the #1 selling meat turkey in the US) tom's going about 20 pounds

The mid size are the Bourbons toms going about 30 pounds

The largest are the White Hollands and Standard Bronze at 30+

Steve in NC

 

[playswithfowl]

How good are Royal Palms for meat?

 

[CARS]

Quote:
I want to know too!! They are such beautiful birds!!!

 

[Backswampcub]

I believe that the royal palms have a split breast bone which makes them difficult to eat or at least dress out strange.

 

[Must Be Losing It]

Mine Royal Palms are still quite young, so dinner table for them yet.

 

[2manyhats]

We haven't butchered any of the heritage breeds yet, just some production whites that we grew. I plan to keep the Bourbon Reds that I hatched late last summer. I have some pencilled palms also, May keep a couple just cause they look pretty.