Turkey breed for 4H

[Engteacher]

We were so sad that there were no turkeys in the county fair 4H barn last year. We bring chickens every year and have a bit of space to grow out some turkeys. Can you suggest a breed given that we live in MN and can't get them shipped until April or so? That is, unless we try to hatch some ourselves. In that case, a source for hatching eggs, too.

 

[the duck whisperer]

Bronze and white turkeys are the ones i took last year. ( For meat ) For ornamental id say slate, and burbon ( not spelled right) reds

 

[mommyofthreewithchicks]

I found bourbon reds last summer from someone near buffalo mn. I am liking the Breed so far.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Any of the 8 varities in the Standard of Perfection would be fine for a 4-H member to raise and show. May I suggest you check with Duane Urch. He is in Minnesota. His price list is posted at https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=437644

 

[Oregon Blues]

Recognized breeds of turkey (you might as well get something you can show in open shows)

Bronze
Narragansett (probably the most shown)
White Holland
Black
Slate (my favorite color; color doesn't breed true)
Bourbon Red (often wins taste tests)
Beltsville Small White (rare, supposed to be an excellent smaller table bird, smaller size would be good for children to show)
Royal Palm (ornamental primarily. small for the table)

There also might be a class in 4-H for market turkeys, where you would show Broadbreasted Whites

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Here is one of the youth showing at Crossroads in Poultry Showmanship... or was it Turkey Showmanship?