which kind of turkey would work?

[AngieO]

We have had turkeys in the past. They were the bronze breasted and they were great, however they couldn't breed.

We are looking to get turkeys again, what we would like is a breed that can populate and also be good a good size for eating. What would you recommend?

 

[flocksalot]

What you had before were Broad Breasted Bronze. They are similar to the Broad Breasted Whites. They grow quickly and have large breasts, and it's the large breast that gets in the way of breeding. All heritage breeds can mate naturally, but will flesh out more slowly. Since you liked the Bronze you could go or the standard bronze. Try looking at the different turkeys and deciding which ones you like looking at the best.

There will be a meat flavor difference between the heritage and the BBs. The longer it takes to grow the more defined the flavor and texture. I raise midgets and BBWs. This year I am also hoping to add some other breeds. Turkeys kept as backyard birds are amazing and fun to have around.

 

[AngieO]

What you had before were Broad Breasted Bronze. They are similar to the Broad Breasted Whites. They grow quickly and have large breasts, and it's the large breast that gets in the way of breeding. All heritage breeds can mate naturally, but will flesh out more slowly. Since you liked the Bronze you could go or the standard bronze. Try looking at the different turkeys and deciding which ones you like looking at the best.

There will be a meat flavor difference between the heritage and the BBs. The longer it takes to grow the more defined the flavor and texture. I raise midgets and BBWs. This year I am also hoping to add some other breeds. Turkeys kept as backyard birds are amazing and fun to have around.

Thank you for your reply
The ones we had were real friendly and I think I ended up with one egg from the hen. A set of dogs I had got loose and killed her in her pen. I was so upset when I found out what they did! My tom liked it in with my horse, but one day she spooked and kicked him in the back of the head. He lived, the skin split on his head and it healed after a bit, but he ended up dying a few months or so later =(
I am better prepared for turkeys now. We no longer have those dogs and the dogs we do have have grown up around the chickens and ducks.
I was looking at maybe some Red Bourbons. Someone local has them for sale