broad breasted white turkey life expectancy

The broad-breasted turkey is the most popular domesticated turkey breed in the world. But I was wondering if it's cruel to keep her as a pet? These birds have shorter breast bones and legs than other breeds and are unable to reproduce naturally. Provide them with a high-quality turkey feed, as well as fresh water and occasional treats like insects, worms, and vegetables. They are not normally kept past harvest time . Midget White toms average 13 pounds, and hens average 8 pounds at market weight. They are adorable, taste wonderful, and had economic value for the colonists. 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. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. The Bronze Turkey can grow to 4 feet tall and have a 6-foot wingspan. adElem.style.display = 'block'; You should know what not to feed turkeys to avoid ill health or death because of food poisoning. Learn more. Broad-Breasted Bronze feathers are copper bronze, with a background of brown and black, and white bars on the tail a coloration is very similar to wild turkeys. I weighed our girl that we have left and she's about 23 pounds right now and 10 months old. These birds have shorter breast bones and larger breasts, sometimes rendering them unable to breed without human assistance (typically via artificial insemination). While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Originally published in 2015 and regularly vetted for accuracy. Broad-breasted white turkeys are the most common type of turkeys used for meat production. White turkeys also need fresh and clean water to drink. Is Broad Breasted White turkey farming profitable? Their development kicked off in 1930s in the United States when farmers expressed their desire on a meat bird with no dark pin feathers. Labels may say, young tom or young turkey. Most commercial growers process their birds at seven to twenty pounds and freeze them until the holiday season. The broad-breasted white turkey is a domesticated bird that lives in almost every part of the world. Giant White Turkeys are broad-breasted birds and are very popular because of their size and white, easy-to-dress feathering. It is largely and commercially used for meat production. The animals are raised in cramped conditions in large turkey farms, but small farmers often let them forage on free-range lands. This makes them an ideal choice for commercial meat production. After some days, a wooden feeder or hanging feeder can be used as they also conserve feed. This should be either added in their dirt bath or dusted directly on their bodies in small amounts. Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Yakey-Ault, Shutterstock. Yes! Broad Breasted usually come in white (most common), bronze, and black. Females usually have less weight than males. Because they havent been bred with the focus of producing a lot of meat within a short period of time, they grow slower and therefore can live for years without health problems. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys requires ongoing care and management. 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. You can also supplement their diet with insects, worms, and other protein-rich treats. 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. Hens are smaller and duller than the cocks. Your email address will not be published. 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. Except for Antarctica, white turkeys live on every continent in the world. Search our database of over 13528 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Hormones administered through feed would be metabolized and excreted in the same way that corn and soy proteins are, without causing noticeable growth. The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely used breed of domesticated turkey. No, broad-breasted white turkeys are not poisonous birds as they do not have any poison-producing glands. Our Nicholas strain hens reach 25 pounds, and the toms as much as 45 pounds. Turkey poults have less meat but sometimes they are still eaten by humans and predators too. joint problems, cardiac issues, skeletal weakness, and a limited immune response to pathogens. 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). Your email address will not be published. The Broad Breasted White fit the commercial niche for a tur-key yielding larger breast muscle and, when slaughtered at a young age, it also fit the family niche for a smaller turkey. Both young and adults need different requirements according to their behavior, size, and age. The primary use of this breed is the same as with any breed of turkey: meat. Best 20 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Cheeto Puffs? Here are some key things to keep in mind when caring for these birds: Turkeys require a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment. At the same time, it banned hormone use for poultry and pork. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Hens can enter the slaughterhouse when theyre only 14 weeks old, and toms can be butchered when theyre 18 weeks old. We were given two turkeys last year and never planned on butchering them. The White turkey was not always the countrys top bird, but it was created to meet the rising demand for low-cost turkey with more breast meat than other birds. Copyright 2023 It's Poultry - All Rights Reserved. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. But people began to prefer the Broad Breasted White turkey during the beginning in the 1960s. Why do heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving cost more per pound than standard birds? For now, feel free to continue reading. Later, in 1943, Broad Breasted Bronze blood was introduced. Here we are listing the most common questions about this turkey breed, and trying to answer them. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Youll also need to monitor the birds for signs of illness or injury, and treat any health issues promptly to prevent the spread of disease. 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. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. At this time these birds can weigh 13kgs. They should be isolated from the rest to avoid disease spread. Can they be kept as pets? This breed produces more meat than other turkey breeds. These birds are highly valued in the United States especially during Thanks giving where millions are butchered for meat. Turkeys require an incubation period of around 28 days. And it has become the dominant turkey breed on the market. Turkeys are also vigilant and vocal, chirping as young birds and gobbling as adults in response to loud noises. The idea was to get a breed that could mature fast and offer much meat. Just like chickens, white turkeys have their own requirements too. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. 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. adElemSticky.innerHTML = ''; Bourbon Reds originated in Bourbon, Kentucky, from crossing Buff, Standard Bronze, and Holland White. Added hormones within our poultry is something we will probably never have to worry about. Common external parasites are lice and scaly mites. Dindon rouge des Ardennes Turkey Characteristics, Start Slate Turkey Farming Business For High Profits, Turkey Feathers Colors Of Different Turkey Breeds, Start Profitable Black Turkey Farming Business, Turkey Breeds: Top 10 Breeds for High Profit, Turkey Diseases And Problems You Should Know, Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? They easily feed small families and fit in small refrigerators where other large meat birds will not fit whole. published Nov 4, 2011. . White turkeys are infested by external as well as internal parasites. Didn't find what you need? The optimum temperatures for hens and toms are between 64 and 70 F (18 and 21 C). Which is our fault for not doing the research and asking more questions. if (rect.top <= 0) { Most of them have slatted walls made of narrow strips of wood or metal with good ventilation systems, whereas some have concrete walls with no windows so that the breeders can use artificial lighting to enhance production. } else { 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. About Broad Breasted White Turkeys This turkey breed was developed by crossing Hollands and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. Broad Breasted White turkeys are a large breed, with mature toms weighing up to 30 pounds and mature hens weighing up to 20 pounds. The birds large breasts weigh the bird down, and the full-grown turkeys seem off balance when they waddle around. You can house them in a coop or a free-range area, depending on your setup. I do not know what the average is but I know it is a good bit lower than that. They are excellent foragers and will help control weeds and other insect pests on your backyard. Required fields are marked *. adElem.style.visibility = 'hidden'; We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Unless the label states differently, most industrially raised turkeys are broad-breasted. Male broad-breasted white turkey price is roughly $8.90, whereas female broad-breasted white turkey or hen usually sold for about $8.05. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a meat breed. By 2003 the numbers had grown 200% and by 2006 the Conservancy reported thatmore than 8,800 breeding birds existed in the United States. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Farmers who have raised chickens for meat have probably acknowledged that a Cornish Cross dresses out within six weeks while a Rhode Island Red is ready within four to six months. What is the connection between raising turkeys and what ends up on your own plate? Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I had one of them die from a vent prolapse and being pecked by chickens so I've been doing a lot of research. You may also need to artificially inseminate your hens to ensure successful breeding. 8 Potential Methods. These will live inside their bodies where they rely on what the birds have eaten. All varieties of domestic turkey descend from the Mexican turkey. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. creative tips and more. adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; Genetically, White turkeys are not healthy animals, but theyre considered hardy species less affected by climate conditions. However, baby white turkey chicks are yellow. Many like the idea of heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. All turkeys live there until they move to another unit. Denying them a nesting area will encourage them to nest in the bushes. Before development of the breed, the Broad Breasted Bronze breed held the dominant position on the turkey market. These turkeys produce more meat than other breeds. These birds are very small compared to the size of normal turkeys. The flooring in your turkey housing should be easy to clean and provide good traction to prevent slips and falls. The juiciness is because of how the turkey lives, at what age it is butchered, and which additives have been injected before the meat is wrapped in plastic. The beautiful Chocolate Turkey has been raised since before the Civil War. They mature fast and are good at laying eggs. The Broad Breasted White turkeys are a very popular breed of turkey in commercial farming. Consumers who purchase heritage turkeys also tend to hold a higher standard to their meat, eschewing additives or antibiotics, which can extend the life of a bird raised in confinement. Once the most popular domesticated breed, the Bronze Turkey fell out of favor somewhat in the mid to late 20th Century, and it is now classified as being critical. Generally known as a chick, the baby broad-breasted white turkey is called poult or turkeyling. To control turkey worms, seek advice from a qualified bird vet on the right wormer to administer. [1] They often live shorter lives. Breeders also give them infrared heaters in the initial days. Milder turkey meat tends to be more popular but fetches a lower price than gamey, heritage meat. Most white turkeys are calm, friendly and social meaning they will not harm your kids. Broad Breasted White turkeys have white feathers, a pinkish-white head and neck, and a bright red wattle and snood. Can you do veggies and melons? Turkeys are social birds and thrive in a calm and stress-free environment. We didn't feed him anything crazy to make him grow fast. Feed your birds with good and nutritious food. Average live body weight of the mature Broad Breasted White turkey is between 17 and 20 kg. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Yes! Their size and weight makes them adept fence jumpers and skilled at roosting on fences. The breed declined after the commercial adoption of the Broad Breasted White, like most other turkey breeds. What are you feeding? The Midget White turkey is a relatively new breed. This breed, developed in the 1960s is a cross between the Royal Palm and the Broad Breasted Whites. Although, Broad Breasted White is a meat turkey breed and raised mainly for meat production purpose. 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. Because biosecurity is so crucial in a bird that can get so sick, many growers resort to adding antibiotics to daily feed. A secondary factor to price is how turkeys are raised. These turkeys are generally docile and friendly, and can be easily handled with proper care and training. What is the color of Broad Breasted White turkey eggs? 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. These turkeys are small and white in color. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. One advantage of raising broad-breasted white turkey is that you do not have to worry about them as it does not has many predators. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The cross was developed to produce a bird that was bigger than the English turkeys but easier to manage than wild ones. This will protect them from harsh weather and keep them from turkey predators like wild dogs which hunt them for food. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. If the White turkeys in a commercial farm gain weight too fast, their keepers starve them for a few days to keep them within the correct weight limit. The Broad Breasted White hens generally lay off white colored eggs. No, they notoriously can not mate naturally, an the hens must be artificially inseminated. Mostly because of the nature of the bird. Vaccinate them timely and always provide them all required medicines. 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. Yes, broad-breasted white turkey birds can make good indoor pets. The now-ubiquitous Broad Breasted White can weigh 38 pounds at just 18 weeks old. Some examples of heritage birds include Standard Bronze, Royal Palm, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Auburn, and Black. The white turkey breed has a docile temperament. Here are some key things to keep in mind: Turkeys require a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. Organic turkey farms use neither antibiotics nor feed that has not been certified organic. Once the eggs hatch, the poults will need a warm, dry, and safe environment to grow and develop. Turkeys are very sensitive to moldy and rotten food. if (window.innerWidth > 900) {
A 40-pound tom turkey flaps his wing as Chris Conley carries him to a pen at Raymond's Turkey Farm in Methuen, Mass., on Friday. Some farmers will go ahead and supplement their diet with dried mealworms or scrambled eggs. They will require artificial insemination if they have to reproduce. Broad-breasted turkey is a popular farm bird and humans generally raise them for their higher meat production capacity. adElemSticky.style.width = rect.width + 'px';
Conditions on the truck are even worse than on the farm. Still today the Buff variety is rare, and the Broad Breasted White turkey is continuing to edge out all other heritage turkey breeds. They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. As they do this, the show catches your attention and the focus is shifted into entertainment. adElem.style.position = 'fixed'; The Orlopp Bronze is a broad-breasted turkey, with excellent conformation and high meat quality due to its natural fat layering. In the United States of America, the male broad-breasted white turkey (Heritage turkey breed) is known as a tom, whereas, in the UK, it is known as stages. Although hens produce high-quality eggs, theyre usually not for sale to the public. When you choose your next turkey, what factors will you take into consideration? These critters will not only add color but also ensure you have a reliable source of meat and those jumbo eggs for breakfast. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, It is a robust and generally healthy breed that does not usually suffer too many illnesses. Instead of a smaller bird, Americans wanted a large turkey with even more breast meat. adElem.style.top = '10px'; Currently, Broad Breasted White is the most common and popular breed of domestic turkey. In 1874, White Holland turkey breed was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association. Large operations can load up to 1,500 turkeys per hour into the truck, and many birds break their wings or suffer from internal hemorrhaging in the loading process. The growing process for these birds has been so well refined, the birds often grow to larger than 40 lbs. It is an incredibly fast-growing turkey, and this means that it needs to be slaughtered before it reaches adulthood. In the early 21st century, total population of the Bourbon Red turkey began to recover. Today these birds are highly popular throughout the world and they are excellent for meat production. Broad-Breasted White and other large breed turkeys (referred to as "Industry" or "Commercial Turkeys" by the meat industry) have been selectively bred by humans exclusively for the purpose of increasing both their body mass and growth rates to make them more efficient to raise and slaughter in vast numbers while increasing overall profitability (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function () { viAPItag.display("vi_1472596215") }),
Generally, a Broad Breasted White hen can lay around or up to 100 eggs per year. 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. Read some more information about this domestic turkey breed below. var width = window.innerWidth; They can be kept as pets and will live shorter lives than heritage breeds on average. When it comes to feeding Broad Breasted White turkeys, there are several important factors to consider. A post shared by Jeanine Baze (@iluvdirt326). 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. The breed was created by selectively breeding several strains of White Holland turkeys, which were known for their large size and meat quality. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. The Broad Breasted Bronze is another commercially developed strain of table bird. Always make sure they their waterers are full to prevent them from dehydrating because of lack of water. 1. Read on for more information on the breed and to determine whether it is a good fit for your farming operation. That means packing fewer birds into a larger area, resulting in less profit per acre. This breed was characterized by its large size, broad breast, and high-quality meat. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. There is a fleshy appendage in the male that hangs from the beak. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. And they must be artificially inseminated. These turkeys dont weigh much as hens weigh 10 pounds while toms weigh 17 pounds. Heritage breed turkeys, like their wild relatives, have a natural tendency to cover large areas when foraging. Others manage biosecurity by maintaining a clean and completely secure farm, refusing to allow visitors and keeping turkeys in comfortable barns to keep wild birds away from the flocks food and water supply. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans preferred smaller turkeys with more breast meat that fit into an icebox. Females usually have less weight than males. We want that thick, juicy breast meat but dont want biological repercussions within our own bodies. adElem.style.display = 'none'; However, it is more expensive to breed, and its meat has a milder flavor. A 0.5-acre area is enough for a dozen turkeys in a fenced-in region. This breed is often used for commercial meat production due to its size and meat quality. It is commercially the most widely used domesticated turkey for meat. The Broad Breasted White turkey is favored because of its near-perfect carcass appearance. One of its relatives, the Broad Breasted Bronze turkey, was a popular commercial bird until it was replaced by the Beltsville White. The first strains of White Holland turkeys were brought to the United States in the 1800s, and were primarily raised for their meat and eggs. For turkey poults, the egg carton is a perfect initial feeder. The Broad Breasted White is a meat turkey breed and they are generally larger in size with an average body weight of 38 to 40 lbs. All that growth time equals money spent on feed and the Cornish Cross produces much more meat. Others must euthanize sick birds to keep the rest of the flock safe. These birds were used to develop the Broad Breasted Whites after crossing them with the Broad Breasted White. Make sure to provide adequate nutrition, clean water, and a safe and comfortable environment. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. Competing in for the title of eye candy are Blue Slates and Narragansetts. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a breed of domestic turkey from United States. Required fields are marked *. These birds have deep and rich flavors than other turkey breeds. And now that you know the differences between breeds, would you consider raising a heritage breed versus broad-breasted? if ((_footer && _footer.getBoundingClientRect().top < 500)) { var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad');
A post shared by Alec Bown (@the_average_white_birder). The broad-breasted white turkey is prone to many health diseases, such as heart diseases, joint damage, and respiratory failure. Generally, the male broad-breasted white turkey lives a shorter life than a female. Access to clean, fresh water is essential for turkeys. No matter which method the farmer chooses, all reflect in final purchasing prices in heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. The price of one unsexed broad-breasted white turkey is nearly $7.70. Is Raising Turkeys for Eggs at Homestead a Viable Option? Make sure to provide enough space for the birds to move around and perch, and to protect them from predators and inclement weather. They are susceptible to cold especially the poults and you will need to confine them in a heated coop. Make sure to provide plenty of water sources, and clean and refill them daily to prevent contamination. A single broad-breasted white turkey bird needs at least ten sq ft of space inside a cage. Average birds are typically 38-40 lbs. Their largest population is in the United States. Efficiency is more vital to turkey producers than humane treatment, and although the United States and much of the world love turkey meat, it comes at a high cost. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. That is why Benjamin Franklin wanted to make the broad-breasted white turkey the national emblem of America. Beef hormones are administered as a pellet behind the ear, a part of the animal which is not consumed. GroGel and Vitamin packs may be shipped with the birds or shipped separately before your birds arrive. There are few places on poultry which are not consumed, and implants within those places would probably result in the death of the animal. They grow so quickly that their hearts eventually just give out. The best ways to help the heritage populations are to join in the advocacy, to raise heritage turkeys if you have the farming space, and to purchase heritage turkeys for your meals if you cannot raise them. Your total order requires ANY 3 birds to ship. And they must be artificially inseminated. The worse problems are heart failure and legs giving out due to the weight. Broad Breasted White turkeys require careful care and management to stay healthy and productive. The conservation status of broad-breasted white turkeys is unknown as they are mainly domesticated and their population is stable presently. If you purchase turkey poults from a feed store and want to start a breeding project, first verify the breed. You can keep her as a pet but be prepared for your heart to ache when she does pass. 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. Two types of broad-breasted turkeys exist: white and bronze/brown. I think someone on here had a hen live for 9 years, I do not remember her username though. The Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage breed and these, in turn, are very well domesticated. Breeders began to prefer the breed because they produced a cleaner looking carcass. A female broad-breasted white turkey is referred to as a hen. The development or growth rate was 0.55% per year. The Broad Breasted White turkey transformed the turkey industry with its high yields of meat, but unfortunately, the increased production characteristics came at the expense of the birds health. The Broad Breasted White turkey quickly became a popular choice for commercial meat production, due to its large size and fast growth rate. Proper care and management can help prevent these issues. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Do Broad Breasted White turkeys lay eggs? The breeding season of broad-breasted white turkey is from March to April. Broad Breasted White Turkey. [3] Broad Breasted Whites also have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch, which makes turkey eggs as a food item a rare delicacy.[4][5]. Through careful breeding and selection, the Broad Breasted White turkey was developed. These birds will sometimes grow big and develop health issues because of obesity. Though the meat variety eats more per day than the dual purpose breed, the total feed to meat ratio is much lower. Make sure to keep the eggs at a consistent temperature of around 99-101 degrees Fahrenheit, and rotate them regularly to prevent the embryos from sticking to the sides of the egg. The Beltsville Agricultural Research Center responded in 1934 by creating the Beltsville White turkey, and it dominated the market until the creation of the Broad Breasted White turkey in the early 1960s. The Broad Breasted White turkey is the most popular and widely raised breed of domestic turkey. Do you want more meat or would you rather preserve an endangered breed? 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. 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)
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