Question about Heritage Turkeys

[BantamFan4Life]

Quick question about heritage turkeys: if I raise them, can I keep them for multiple years to show and as pets, or will they get too obese and die (b/c they weren't butchered)?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They never really get obese, they still remain a bit thin in comparison to broad breasted varieties, I believe their life expectancy is about the same as chickens, they say they can live 12 years but most die from something between 4-8 years old, and a couple live longer.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

They never really get obese, they still remain a bit thin in comparison to broad breasted varieties, I believe their life expectancy is about the same as chickens, they say they can live 12 years but most die from something between 4-8 years old, and a couple live longer.

Oh, okay. Good to know. Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Glad to help anyone wanting to join the turkey club, especially for pets, they are such goofs.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Glad to help anyone wanting to join the turkey club, especially for pets, they are such goofs.

Yeah. We raised BB Bronze a couple years ago.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So you're familiar with the personality, not the longevity. I hatch a couple out every couple of years to keep up my flock numbers. Though this last year I ordered hatching eggs from porters so I could get some fresh purebred without having to order 15 then thin them out.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

So you're familiar with the personality, not the longevity. I hatch a couple out every couple of years to keep up my flock numbers. Though this last year I ordered hatching eggs from porters so I could get some fresh purebred without having to order 15 then thin them out.

Nice! What variety of turkey do you recommend?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They all seem fairly equal in personality, though bourbon reds can be a bit more curious, this year's batch, they all are curious and follow me everywhere, I pen them up for some peace and quiet. I would just pick whatever colors interest you.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

They all seem fairly equal in personality, though bourbon reds can be a bit more curious, this year's batch, they all are curious and follow me everywhere, I pen them up for some peace and quiet. I would just pick whatever colors interest you.

I really like Bourbon Reds and Royal Palm.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Both are pretty and easy to find, most hatcheries have them.