When is a turkey too old to eat? -edit- what breed of turkey is this?

[possumhunter]

I've been thinking of getting a couple turkeys for a while and just found out that my sister's friend is getting rid of all her birds (turkeys and chickens). I don't know what variety the turkeys are...it sounds like they are a heritage breed and I think they might be bourbon reds. She said that they are full grown and might be a couple years old. We are primarily interested in them for eating, would they still be good for eating or are they too old at that point? What is the "magic" age when you should butcher a heritage breed turkey?

Thanks!

 

[possumhunter]

So I was able to get a hold of a couple of pictures of the turkeys that she has. These are from last fall, they are obviously much larger now. She says that are just about a year old. Any guesses as to what kind of breed they are? Also, can you tell from the picture if they are poults or toms?

Thanks!

 

[silkiechicken]

My only turkey experience is with bb bronze bought as chicks for food and eaten at 5 months old. Yum!

Since those are the non meat type, I would consider getting a tom for them, raising them and eating their offspring.

 

[longranger]

One royal palm and one bourbon red. At about a year they should be maximum yummy.

 

[Blisschick]

Usually 9 months to 1 year is the ideal time to butcher. I've done it when they're older and little tougher, but they still taste better than any store bought bird.

 

[possumhunter]

So I got to go meet the ladies tonight (think they are girls). Oh my goodness! I'm in love! I don't know if I can eat these guys, they are so sweet! The royal palm laid at my feet at let me pet it forever...it almost sounded like it was purring!

 

[Blisschick]

It probably was...they do purr.

The Bourbon red is a tom, the palm is a jenny.

 

[possumhunter]

Oh really? lol...can you tell I don't know anything about turkeys yet? I thought that tom's had to have a snood? (is that what that long droopy thing is called?) What is a Jenny?

Sorry for being turkey dumb!

Here's a couple more pictures, I can't resist!

Thanks!

 

[jenjscott]

You've either got two toms with very small snoods, or two hens that display very well.

 

[thaiturkey]

What beautiful birds! How could you slaughter them? Be patient, raise poults from them and introduce those to your dinner table!