Where did the Bourbon Red turkey originate?
The bird originated in Kentucky and Pennsylvania in the late 19th century, and was created by crossing Buff, Standard Bronze, and White Holland turkeys. It was first recognized as a turkey variety by the American Poultry Association in 1909.
Can you eat Bourbon Red turkeys?
Bourbon Reds can sometimes be a bit challenging to pluck according to some turkey keepers, but their meat is worth it. A nicely dressed carcass from a Bourbon Red should be somewhere in between 14 and 23 pounds. Bred primarily for their nice breast meat, this is an excellent choice for a table bird.
What is the Bourbon Red turkey used for?
And it was first recognized as a different turkey variety by the American Poultry Association in 1909. The Bourbon Red turkeys were selectively bred for utility traits as a meat bird….Special Notes.
| Breed Name | Bourbon Red |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Previously called as Kentucky Reds and Bourbon Butternuts |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly meat |
How much is a red Bourbon turkey?
Bourbon Reds are a larger variety of turkey known for a heavier breast and richly flavored meat with an expected weight range of 9 to 18 pounds. Total cost for turkeys is $9.00/lb.
Are Bourbon Red turkeys rare?
The Bourbon Red Turkey is a rare breed of the heritage turkey and was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1909.
Do Bourbon Red turkeys fly?
On the other hand, the Bourbon Red Turkey is a very old Heritage breed. These amazing birds are beautiful, breed naturally, brood their own clutches of eggs, and are careful mothers that cherish and protect their young. They are excellent foragers, can fly and roost, and are extremely gentle and kind.
How long does it take a Bourbon Red turkey to mature?
Meat Production Bourbon Reds reach sexual maturity between 7 and 8 months of age but generally won’t begin laying until the spring after they hatched.
Can Bourbon Red turkeys reproduce?
Like many other domestic turkey breeds, the Bourbon Red turkeys are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and toms in your flock.
Do Bourbon Red turkeys reproduce naturally?
Bourbon Red Turkeys are sustainable meat and egg birds. They can live and breed naturally for many years, unlike commercial turkeys, which must be artificially inseminated and often die young of organ or skeletal failure. Turkey eggs are richly flavored and a desirable gourmet food item.
Can Bourbon Red turkeys breed?
Like many other domestic turkey breeds, the Bourbon Red turkeys are also naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily and produce fertile eggs for hatching if you keep good ratio of hens and toms in your flock. Generally one mature and healthy tom is enough for breeding around or up to 8-10 hens.
At what age do Bourbon Red turkeys lay eggs?
Heritage breed turkeys, like Bourbon Red, begin laying at 30-36 weeks of age.