For the first three days, the temperature of the air is set at 95 F (18 C), which then decreases to 64 F (18 C) every two days until the turkey poults become 37 days old. Toms weighs 36 pounds while the hens weigh about 20 pounds. Our Nicholas strain hens reach 25 pounds, and the toms as much as 45 pounds. Be very limiting of any treats, especially BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seeds) and any other high fat foods. Competing in for the title of eye candy are Blue Slates and Narragansetts. White turkeys are good birds. The rearing of broad-breasted white turkeys is not for egg production because of some health issues associated with adulthood. However, the genetic manipulation that created the White bird also made it more vulnerable to obesity. Learn more about pastured turkeys fromAcres USA. I have two hens that are 11 months old right now and they are doing fine. [1] Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. We were given two turkeys last year and never planned on butchering them. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Turkeys require a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. No matter which method the farmer chooses, all reflect in final purchasing prices in heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. Broad Breasted White Turkey - Sold as Baby Poults Only - No Sexing Available Seasonal/Shipped Feb thru Late July. adElem.style.visibility = 'hidden'; These birds are highly valued in the United States especially during Thanks giving where millions are butchered for meat. Copyright 2023 It's Poultry - All Rights Reserved. You may also need to artificially inseminate your hens to ensure successful breeding. Unlike wild turkeys that get to roam and forage freely, commercial white chickens are crammed in tiny spaces and forced to eat high-fat turkey feed to ensure they reach the market standard for weight. The name took hold further as Europeans brought them back to breed in the Ottoman Empire, also known as the Turkish Empire or Ottoman Turkey. The Broad Breasted White turkey is the most popular and widely raised breed of domestic turkey. They scatter the food on paper sheets in addition to feeders only for turkey poults. Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. You can make good profits from this business if you can do everything perfectly. It is arduous to housetrain these turkeys and they do produce a large amount of poop. free printable turkey body coloring pages. Hens are smaller and duller than the cocks. Broad Breasted White Turkey Uses The United States slaughters over 250 million White turkeys every year for meat. Here are some key things to keep in mind if you are interested in breeding these turkeys: Start by selecting healthy, high-quality breeding stock. Breeders began to prefer the breed because they produced a cleaner looking carcass. These birds have shorter breast bones and legs than other breeds and are unable to reproduce naturally. Your white turkeys need to have a good coop. Plans underway to breed them back being in progress in the US and Canada. The Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage breed and these, in turn, are very well domesticated. Because of their size, predilection for overeating, and sedentary personalities,[2] they are flightless and prone to health problems associated with obesity, such as heart disease, respiratory failure and joint damage; even if such turkeys are spared from slaughter (such as those involved in the annual turkey pardons), they usually have short lives as a result. They are prone to heart disease, respiratory failure and joint damage. They are ready to butcher as early as 5 months and only have a life expectancy of 18 months. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, adElem.style.zIndex = '21'; MIDGET WHITE. How Do Cats Show Affection? But sometimes they can weight more. But thisalso promotes questions:What is a heritage turkey? Midget whites have good mothering skills and will take good care of their baby turkeys well. Usually the turkey to receive a "presidential pardon", a U.S. custom, is a Broad Breasted White. The Broad Breasted grows larger and offers more meat, especially breast meat. These birds need a well-rounded course to ensure they get all the nutrients they require in their bodies. Today, they are listed as endangered by the American Poultry Association and are almost extinct with very few species remaining. The Orlopp Bronze is a broad-breasted turkey, with excellent conformation and high meat quality due to its natural fat layering. What is the connection between raising turkeys and what ends up on your own plate? How to start Broad Breasted White turkey farming business? The breed is very good for producing breast meat. Average birds are typically 38-40 lbs. You can keep her as a pet but be prepared for your heart to ache when she does pass. adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; With that said, the species can be protective of its young, and overall temperament is often governed by the breeder and the amount of socialization the birds have undergone when young. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Their frozen meat is also available in the market. Though the meat variety eats more per day than the dual purpose breed, the total feed to meat ratio is much lower. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy. People ask many questions about Broad Breasted White turkey. White turkeys also need fresh and clean water to drink. Where can I find a bird raised without added hormones? Their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed and have more breast meat that accounts for about 70% of their weight. It's just genetics. adElem.style.top = '10px'; We want that thick, juicy breast meat but dont want biological repercussions within our own bodies. Still today the Buff variety is rare, and the Broad Breasted White turkey is continuing to edge out all other heritage turkey breeds. These birds are ready for market after a period of 16 weeks. So could be either or both going on there. When it comes to housing Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. Broad Breasted usually come in white (most common), bronze, and black. The worse problems are heart failure and legs giving out due to the weight. Didn't find what you need? Lifespan Of A Turkey In the wild, the average turkey life expectancy is 3 to 5 years, with hens usually living three years and toms living for four years. Required fields are marked *. window.onscroll = function () {
After just a few years after they were introduced in the farms, farmers disliked their output making them loose favor and they were out after they were replaced by other breeds. Many like the idea of heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. If yours are only 3 months old and already have breathing issues, they are not likely to make it to 3 years old unless you make drastic changes to their diet which includes. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It has white feathers and short legs. It is a robust and generally healthy breed that does not usually suffer too many illnesses. Their size and weight makes them adept fence jumpers and skilled at roosting on fences. Yes, broad-breasted white turkey birds can make good indoor pets. The individuals in a group depend upon the area of the coot. The breed was created by selectively breeding several strains of White Holland turkeys, which were known for their large size and meat quality. If you plan to breed your turkeys, youll need to provide nesting areas for the hens to lay their eggs. Turkey poults have less meat but sometimes they are still eaten by humans and predators too. Ideally, you should provide at least 10 square feet of space per bird. Food critics claim heritage breeds taste better and have healthier meat than their industrial counterparts. 2. Roost bars are necessary because they birds love to roost just like chickens. In 1874, White Holland turkey breed was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association. A good turkey feed should contain at least 20-24% protein, with a balance of essential amino acids. adElem.style.zIndex = ''; As mentioned earlier, turkeys require a high-protein diet that is balanced with essential vitamins and minerals. Pet Keen is reader-supported. These birds were domesticated here in the 1900s where they were popular meat birds. As low as: $ 7.95 View Products. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, these birds were extensively reared but later ran out of favor among farmers and restaurants after the development of the Broad Breasted White (Source). Denying them a nesting area will encourage them to nest in the bushes. While many farmers have announced that they will stop adding medication to daily feed, they hold that treating sick animals is the most humane way to raise meat. Conditions on the truck are even worse than on the farm. They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. Currently, Broad Breasted White is the most common and popular breed of domestic turkey. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That means packing fewer birds into a larger area, resulting in less profit per acre. White turkeys are among the best turkey breeds that you can have in your backyard. Select the right breed for your business. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. However, the wood roosts should be strong enough because turkeys are big and heavy to support their weights. That is why Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the broad-breasted white turkey the national emblem of America. The flooring substrate usually consists of deep-litter, such as wood shavings. Make sure to provide adequate nutrition, clean water, and a safe and comfortable environment. The resting place should not be higher than 10 in (25.4 cm) from the earth's surface because jumping off high places results in legs and foot issues after a long period. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. In addition to that, their nitrogen rich manure will fertilize your vegetable garden. Turkeys should be fed at regular intervals throughout the day, with smaller, more frequent meals being better than larger, less frequent meals. The perfect temperature is important because, in a high-temperature environment, the metabolic rate of broad-breasted whites will become high which may make them susceptible to heat stress. Provide plenty of clean bedding, heat lamps or other heat sources, and a consistent supply of food and water. MAXIMUM OF 40 Broad Breasted White Turkey $ 9.95 Sold Out Breed Facts Description Video Reviews (21) Breed Facts Poultry Show Class: Not Applicable Weights: Hen-22 lbs (at 20 wks) On the other hand, domesticated turkeys live almost double this time - for around ten years if kept well and fed appropriately on average. The Spanish were the first Europeans to bring turkeys back, resulting in breeds such as Spanish Black and Royal Palm. Some have kept them going longer by restricting feed and exercising them. Proper feeding is essential for the health and growth of these birds, as it can provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive and produce high-quality meat. The other seems very healthy. The White Holland is a very old breed whose country of origin is in the United States. The optimum temperatures for hens and toms are between 64 and 70 F (18 and 21 C). The flooring in your turkey housing should be easy to clean and provide good traction to prevent slips and falls. Why are Heritage Breeds Rare Turkey Breeds? The broad-breasted white turkey is endemic to America but it can be found on every continent except Antarctica. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. During the cold winters, these birds will need extra care. adElemSticky.style.width = rect.width + 'px';
I do not know what the average is but I know it is a good bit lower than that. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. The breed declined after the commercial adoption of the Broad Breasted White, like most other turkey breeds. You are using an out of date browser. Provide them with a high-quality turkey feed, as well as fresh water and occasional treats like insects, worms, and vegetables. Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for these birds: Turkeys require a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment. Your total order requires ANY 3 birds to ship. Depending on your setup, you may choose to feed your turkeys free-range or in a confined area. Broad breasted white turkeys have white feathers, red carnucling, a black beard, and pink feet. They are much like ducks and chickens with wings but cannot fly long distances like other birds. These birds demonstrate their masculine features as a sign of dominance and as a way of wooing females. The size of broad-breasted white turkeys ranges between 39.5-49.2 in (100.5-125 cm) in length and weighs around 29.7-86 lb (13.5-39 kg). And why is there such a huge price difference between standard and heritage? Turkeys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so its important to keep their housing at a consistent temperature. YES, its Safe! Often, a melanin-rich pocket of fluid surrounds the feather shaft, leaking like ink when the feather is plucked. Through careful breeding and selection, the Broad Breasted White turkey was developed. Broad-breasted turkey is a popular farm bird and humans generally raise them for their higher meat production capacity. The farm raises approximately 20,000 broad-breasted white turkeys . Though frozen turkeys reside in your grocery store all year, they become the main attraction during the final two months. var adElem = document.getElementById('vi-ad');
Learn more. The development or growth rate was 0.55% per year. These birds have small breasts, long legs and are super hardy being able to adapt easily. Later, in 1943, Broad Breasted Bronze blood was introduced. There are officially two varieties of Bronze Turkey: The exact numbers of the Bronze Turkey are unknown, but it is believed that the Broad Breasted variant is only bred in five or six hatchers across the US, while the Traditional Bronze is kept by hobbyists and backyard farmers. Organic turkey farms use neither antibiotics nor feed that has not been certified organic. In addition to that, these birds will also enrich your garden with their rich manure. StresEEZ Plus - $9.25. Although poultry farmers consider it a success story, the White turkey is vulnerable to several medical conditions and rarely lives past five years. Learn more. These birds are social and will require good gifts and treats to make them happy. Breeding & Reproduction Guide, Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy, Why Chocolate Is Toxic To Dogs (Vet Answer). They are susceptible to cold especially the poults and you will need to confine them in a heated coop. They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. Broad Breasted turkeys are very prone to leg problems because their legs have trouble supporting the weight, and turkeys in general can have heart problems (if I recall correctly they have very high blood pressure). Best 23 Feeding Tips, Can Dogs Eat Skippy Peanut Butter? The breed is very good for producing breast meat. Underneath its beautiful bronze feathers is an efficient, robust turkey. The animals are raised in cramped conditions in large turkey farms, but small farmers often let them forage on free-range lands. Look for birds that are free of defects, have good muscle tone, and are a good weight for their age and breed. If they grow too fast or too large, they can injure joints, break legs, or have cardiac and respiratory problems. In 1997,The Livestock Conservancy considered heritage turkeys the most critically endangered of all domestic animals, finding fewer than 1,500 total breeding birds in the United States. They are prone to leg and back problems due to their heavy nature. joint problems, cardiac issues, skeletal weakness, and a limited immune response to pathogens. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Genetically, White turkeys are not healthy animals, but theyre considered hardy species less affected by climate conditions. A single broad-breasted white turkey bird needs at least ten sq ft of space inside a cage. Why is antibiotic-free important? They weigh much like a heavy chicken with toms weighing 16 to 20 pounds and hens 8 to 12 pounds. It is commercially the most widely used domesticated turkey for meat. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Generally, the male broad-breasted white turkey lives a shorter life than a female. } The birds large breasts weigh the bird down, and the full-grown turkeys seem off balance when they waddle around. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. The now-ubiquitous Broad Breasted White can weigh 38 pounds at just 18 weeks old. It is ready for butchering in as little as 5 months, but its meat is considered milder and sells for less. The Bronze, White Holland, and Black varieties, the wild turkey, and White Austrian turkeys imported from Scotland were first used in the development of this small-type turkey. Use the search! Males are referred to as toms (stags in Europe), females are hens, and the chicks are called poults or turkeylings. Sick birds should be taken to a bird vet for treatment. This means that the meat can be difficult to get hold of for consumers, but it also means that farmers can get a good price for good-quality Bronze Turkey meat. Several factors make the Bronze Turkey a good choice for small-scale farming: But there are some downsides to breeding this turkey: The Bronze Turkey was once the most popular of all domesticated turkey breeds in the US, having been bred to be easier to manage than wild turkeys but bigger than the English turkeys brought over with settlers. I don't think I have the heart to butcher her. Commercial turkeys are pumped full of antibiotics to prevent illnesses, but most breeders and animal groups believe the issues cannot be solved with medications or traditional breeding techniques. They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. This is because the breasts are so large that these birds cannot mate naturally and must be artificially inseminated. (function () { If you purchase turkey poults from a feed store and want to start a breeding project, first verify the breed. Talking white turkeys, there are four pure white breeds that are known. How long does it take to raise a broad breasted white turkey? Hens can enter the slaughterhouse when theyre only 14 weeks old, and toms can be butchered when theyre 18 weeks old. Meat turkeys just aren't bred to live more than a few months, and will often die on their own of complications relating to their rapid and massive growth. Broad Breasted White turkeys require careful care and management to stay healthy and productive. GroGel and Vitamin packs may be shipped with the birds or shipped separately before your birds arrive. https://www.chickensforbackyards.com/White-Broad-Breasted-Turkey-Unsexed-602.htm. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. Additionally, avoid tossing their foods on beddings because they will collect worm eggs together with food. It can run quickly, however, and does require plenty of space to roam around. Keeping turkeys can require more care than keeping other poultry. This makes them an ideal choice for commercial meat production. if (rect.top <= 0) { The Standard is considered a heritage breed and it is known for having gamey meat that can be considered strong. Your email address will not be published. Broad-breasted turkey birds are large creatures. Despite its popularity, the breed is also known for its susceptibility to health issues due to its large size, and requires careful care and management to stay healthy and productive. Although, people kill them for their meat. One of them has gotten bumblefoot for the second time and I am struggling a lot trying to treat it. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Tom was a broad-breasted white turkey. They are not normally kept past harvest time . These are the things that should be done to meet their requirements and ensure a happy and healthy flock. White turkeys are docile creatures that appreciate humans who treat them humanely. The Broad Breasted White turkeys are a very popular breed of turkey in commercial farming. Large-scale farming operations pack in birds that can thrive in such confined quarters, allowing more production for the space. External parasites should be controlled by use of diatomaceous earth powder. Although, they are not allowed to live more than 18 months in the commercial farms. Lays eggs every few days. After some days, a wooden feeder or hanging feeder can be used as they also conserve feed. I think someone on here had a hen live for 9 years, I do not remember her username though. If it is not slaughtered by this point, then it will die from heart failure. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a meat breed. The Midget White turkey is a relatively new breed. The rearing of a high proportion of broad-breasted whites occurs in different types of purpose-built or modified buildings. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. The same principle applies to heritage breeds. Quick facts: Lifespan: 2 - 5 years Average weight: 18 kg (39 lbs) Family: Meleagrididae Origin: The broad-breasted white turkey is a popular breed of domestic turkey originating in the. What is the color of Broad Breasted White turkey eggs? This can be in the form of a large barn or shed, or an outdoor enclosure with plenty of room to roam. The legs of these animals are very short compared to their size. Though we see stunning pictures of iridescent bronze turkeys with white banding, the most common color for commercial production is white because the carcass dresses out cleaner. if ((_footer && _footer.getBoundingClientRect().top < 500)) { The size of a broad-breasted white turkey is 39.5-49.2 in (100.5-125 cm), which is 10 times bigger than a bald eagle. Its floor should be strong so that predators will not burrow under and sneak in. } They are a cross of Royal Palms and the Broad Breasted Bronze. Size and Weight. The breeding season of broad-breasted white turkey is from March to April. The Broad Breasted White hens generally lay off white colored eggs. var rect = adElemSticky.getBoundingClientRect();
Do not forget to have enough nesting boxes where the white turkey hens will lay their eggs. Turkeys are social birds and thrive in a calm and stress-free environment. They want birds that have been raised naturally and humanely. A good, secure and comfortable housing is essential for the health and well-being of these birds, as it can help protect them from the elements, provide them with a safe and comfortable environment, and prevent the spread of disease. They are calm and have a good disposition but are a smaller breed weighing in between 8 and 20 pounds. Male broad-breasted white turkey price is roughly $8.90, whereas female broad-breasted white turkey or hen usually sold for about $8.05. To control turkey worms, seek advice from a qualified bird vet on the right wormer to administer. 6oz pack per 128gal of water/ 1 GALLON DOSAGE: 1/4 tsp powder to 1 gal of drinking water. There is a common procedure to rear turkey poults on poultry farms in the United Kingdom. But avoiding antibiotics in your familys meat may be worth the added price. Lots of free range time with plenty of walks for exercise will help maintain her health. That thick breast meat is the result of selective breeding. Keep mealworms to a minimum. Top 7 Potential Risks, Why Pet Insurance is Worth the Investment, Can Dogs Eat Almonds? This will protect them from harsh weather and keep them from turkey predators like wild dogs which hunt them for food. Turkeys are very sensitive to moldy and rotten food. You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable turkey body coloring pages. The life span of a broad-breasted white turkey is between two and five years. The price of one unsexed broad-breasted white turkey is nearly $7.70. That is very long for BB. Can broad breasted turkeys live a happy healthy life? . Breeders also give them infrared heaters in the initial days. Put a thick layer of a dry and draft free bedding material. They are generally short-lived birds, and they have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch. As part of the Slow Food USA Ark Of Taste, the Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage food that is in danger of going extinct. If youve purchased a turkey from the grocery store in the last 60 years, theres a 99% chance you bought a Broad Breasted White turkey. Provide at least 14-16 hours of light per day, and make sure the lighting is evenly distributed throughout the housing area. Keeping track of your turkeys weight, growth rate, and overall health is important for their well-being and productivity. Use the search! It is an incredibly fast-growing turkey, and this means that it needs to be slaughtered before it reaches adulthood. These birds have deep and rich flavors than other turkey breeds. The breed is the one that most American are familiar with. Giant White Turkeys are broad-breasted birds and are very popular because of their size and white, easy-to-dress feathering. You may also want to separate the poults from the adult turkeys to prevent injury or illness. Good ventilation is crucial for keeping turkeys healthy, as it helps to remove moisture, ammonia, and other pollutants from the air. They grow so quickly that their hearts eventually just give out. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad');
An ongoing argument exists regarding the ethics of using antibiotics. Their development was prompted by the rising population in the United States at the time that made the demand for turkey meat sky rocket. They keep these young poults under persistent light for the first 48 hours to motivate them to eat. These birds generally reach slaughtering age within their 14 to 18 weeks of age. We weren't told they were broad breasted. The 3 Stages to Successfully Raising Turkeys on Pasture, How to Butcher a Turkey For the Freezer or Thanksgiving, 12 Odd Tips on Raising Heritage Breed Turkeys You Need to Know, Beginners Guide to Raising Turkeys in Your Backyard for Meat and Profit, About White Holland Turkeys: A Rapidly Declining Heritage Variety, Turkey Anatomy: Revealing the Mysteries of Snood, Caruncle, Wattle, and More, Black Turkey: Great Meat Producers for Small Farm, Beginners Guide to Raising Turkey From Poults in Your Backyard, About Midget White Turkeys: Unusually Small, but Charming Birds, 9 Reasons Why Raising Turkeys Might Not Be Right For Some Homesteaders, Bronze Turkey: The Domesticated Wild Turkey, About Slate Turkeys: Heritage and Endangered Meat Producers, About Bourbon Red Turkeys: Distinguished Meat Birds, About Royal Palm Turkeys: Not All Turkeys Are Just for Meat, About Narragansett Turkeys: An Older And Showier Turkey Variety, The Shortcuts to Raising Turkeys for Profit.
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