Raising turkeys

[lnm03]

I want to raise turkeys but I’m not sure what kind. I would like to have at least 1 tom and 2 hens for breeding purposes and I would also like to be able to have a good sized dressed turkey for the holidays around 20lbs as we feed a large group but I would also like to be able to have a not so big turkeys for just a family dinner from time to time. Is there 1 breed that would fit that category?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Feathersite has a pretty good listing for turkeys, I think they have the weights as well

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Turkeys/BRKTurkey.html


Steve in NC

 

[bargain]

Of all our breeds of turkeys, I think that the bourbon red is the best for you. If you keep a few of them for yourself soon after breeding begins, then you should have a bird about the size you want,,,,,you could sell some of the poults to those that want to hatch their own and then say around April/May hatch some poults for smaller families....

We prefer the heritage turkeys as they do not get top heavy and have leg problems and we just like to preserve the breeds.

Good luck with your turkey starts. If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to pm me.

 

[gaviota]

I have pen raised wild and I would not recommend them for you as they do not get as big and I think (mostly on instinct) that they are not as efficient at converting feed to fowl as heritage domestic breeds like the bourbon red