The development or growth rate was 0.55% per year. [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]. They can contract many diseases such as blackhead, avian influenza, aspergillosis, and coryza. Why is antibiotic-free important? I prefer to use pine shavings or chopped straw because my girls cannot swallow them and suffer from impacted crops. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Before development of the breed, the Broad Breasted Bronze breed held the dominant position on the turkey market. JavaScript is disabled. [1] Vaccinate them timely and always provide them all required medicines. The turkeys breasts are so large that the birds are unable to reproduce naturally. For turkey poults, the egg carton is a perfect initial feeder. They are generally short-lived birds, and they have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch. It can run quickly, however, and does require plenty of space to roam around. White turkeys are docile creatures that appreciate humans who treat them humanely. GroGel and Vitamin packs may be shipped with the birds or shipped separately before your birds arrive. If it is not slaughtered by this point, then it will die from heart failure. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans preferred smaller turkeys with more breast meat that fit into an icebox. They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. Water-dispersible source of vitamins, trace minerals, and electrolytes. Another threat to turkeys are internal parasites like gape, thread and tapeworms. Its Safe & Best 27 Tips, Can Dogs Eat Eggs? However, baby white turkey chicks are yellow. Can Broad Breasted White turkeys breed naturally? (Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Heritage turkeys are old-fashioned breeds with smaller breasts, darker leg meat and heftier price tags than conventionally raised turkeys, but many people say the superior taste is worth the higher cost. Bon Apptit's Test Kitchen put that assumption to the test with a side-by-side . The breeding season of broad-breasted white turkey is from March to April. Broad-breasted white turkey birds feed on corn or soybean meal with an adequate amount of mixed vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Scouring and digging through various sources I have prepare a list of the four breeds that are white for you. They are not normally kept past harvest time . This can be in the form of a large barn or shed, or an outdoor enclosure with plenty of room to roam. The Orlopp Bronze is a strong complement to any farm, delivering competitive feed conversion and maintaining industry-leading health status . If you've fallen in love with how friendly and beautiful turkeys can be, might I suggest that you consider getting heritage breed turkeys? Turkeys are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, parasites, and injuries. According to The Livestock Conservancy the Jersey Buff turkey is critically endangered. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed and have more breast meat that accounts for about 70% of their weight. Unfortunately, this bird is not used for egg production due to some health issues. No! if ((_footer && _footer.getBoundingClientRect().top < 500)) { The flooring substrate usually consists of deep-litter, such as wood shavings. They can be kept as pets and will live shorter lives than heritage breeds on average. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. Learn more about pastured turkeys fromAcres USA. Good ventilation is crucial for keeping turkeys healthy, as it helps to remove moisture, ammonia, and other pollutants from the air. The Bronze Turkey can grow to 4 feet tall and have a 6-foot wingspan. 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. } Rated 4.57 out of 5. The broad-breasted white turkey is prone to many health diseases, such as heart diseases, joint damage, and respiratory failure. These birds need a well-rounded course to ensure they get all the nutrients they require in their bodies. It became a hot sensation in Europe because of its epic taste. Here we are listing the most common questions about this turkey breed, and trying to answer them. Also, heritage species are preferred by chefs for their enhanced flavor and lean meat. Broad Breasted White turkey is the breed raised by the commercial turkey farmers in the United States. Originally published in 2015 and regularly vetted for accuracy. You can keep her as a pet but be prepared for your heart to ache when she does pass. Your turkey could be bigger than your dog! This breed was characterized by its large size, broad breast, and high-quality meat. Toms weighs 36 pounds while the hens weigh about 20 pounds. Often, a melanin-rich pocket of fluid surrounds the feather shaft, leaking like ink when the feather is plucked. 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. 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. First, turkey poults of one to seven days are placed into diminutive round brooding pens of about 8 ft (2.5 m) to ensure that they have the proper amount of food and water. Breeding work is continuing with the latter introduction in the hope of still further improving the type. The beautiful Chocolate Turkey has been raised since before the Civil War. We were given two turkeys last year and never planned on butchering them. Although, people kill them for their meat. This breed produces more meat than other turkey breeds. In contrast, broad-breasted bronze has a much higher weight than white turkey. These other birds possess iridescent plumage of multiple colors including green, bronze, blue, and a featherless blue head. The Spanish were the first Europeans to bring turkeys back, resulting in breeds such as Spanish Black and Royal Palm. [1] They produce more breast meat and their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed due to their white color. These birds have deep and rich flavors than other turkey breeds. Once the eggs hatch, the poults will need a warm, dry, and safe environment to grow and develop. The farm raises approximately 20,000 broad-breasted white turkeys . if (width <= 900) { Click to expand. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Required fields are marked *. Most consumers dont know that it has never been legal in the United States to use added hormones to produce anything except beef and lamb. To control turkey worms, seek advice from a qualified bird vet on the right wormer to administer. It was produced by crossbreeding a Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey with a White Holland. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. It is believed that the Bronze Turkey originates from a cross between wild US turkeys and those brought over in the 18th century by settlers from England. The Broad Breasted White turkey is the most popular and widely raised breed of domestic turkey. Quick Facts about Broad Breasted White Turkey, Broad Breasted White Turkey Characteristics, Broad Breasted White Turkey Appearance & Varieties. White turkeys were designed to produce the largest amount of meat, but theyre more vulnerable to diseases and other medical conditions than heritage birds. StresEEZ Plus - $9.25. }()). White turkeys are good birds. This property makes it the most popular breed of turkey in commercial meat production. Keep mealworms to a minimum. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function () { viAPItag.display("vi_1472596215") }),
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. They are a cross of Royal Palms and the Broad Breasted Bronze. Are Broad Breasted White Turkeys Good for Small-Scale Farming? Size and Weight. So keeping her lighter can help you keep her longer. If you purchase turkey poults from a feed store and want to start a breeding project, first verify the breed. 1. When you choose your turkey, keep in mind that industrial growers add labels such as raised without added hormones because you are more likely to choose that bird over others without the label. Bit when given a chance they can live longer. They keep these young poults under persistent light for the first 48 hours to motivate them to eat. A completely Western breed, the turkey originated within the forests of North America. The poults or baby birds are generally of yellow color. A post shared by Jeanine Baze (@iluvdirt326). You can also supplement their diet with insects, worms, and other protein-rich treats. The breed declined after the commercial adoption of the Broad Breasted White, like most other turkey breeds. It was developed in the University of Massachusetts in 1960. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. The Broad Breasted White is a fast growing turkey breed. Look for feeds that contain a balance of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals. I don't think I have the heart to butcher her. Your email address will not be published. Is this breed able to lay eggs for consumption? 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. Giant White Turkeys are broad-breasted birds and are very popular because of their size and white, easy-to-dress feathering. Top 7 Potential Risks, Why Pet Insurance is Worth the Investment, Can Dogs Eat Almonds? When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. Broad Breasted White Turkey. If industrial poultry grew faster than it already did, it would suffer more health problems and mortality than it already does. Yes, broad-breasted white turkey birds can make good indoor pets. Talking white turkeys, there are four pure white breeds that are known. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love, Cute Frogs: 9 Pictures That Will Make You Happy. Broad Breasted usually come in white (most common), bronze, and black. The Standard Bronze Turkey is considered a heritage breed and these, in turn, are very well domesticated. An ongoing argument exists regarding the ethics of using antibiotics. Along with Slow Food USA, the Heritage Turkey Foundation, and small-scale farmers, The Livestock Conservancy hit the media with advocacy. I have several stories of him that might make him seem like an a**hole but he's really just a sweet bird. The only real purpose for the Broad Breasted Bronze is for meat. Still today the Buff variety is rare, and the Broad Breasted White turkey is continuing to edge out all other heritage turkey breeds. Eschewing all antibiotics means suffering of the animal, spread of disease, and euthanasia of sick animals before the other livestock can contract the illness. No, they notoriously can not mate naturally, an the hens must be artificially inseminated. Others must euthanize sick birds to keep the rest of the flock safe. Learn more. Do Broad Breasted White turkeys lay eggs? Theyre prone to joint problems, cardiac issues, skeletal weakness, and a limited immune response to pathogens. It gets its name from the bronze finish to its plumage, and it is prized for its meat production, and although it is not as popular as the Broad Breasted White Turkey, many consumers look specifically for this breed for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely used breed of domesticated turkey. They generally cant flight and prone to health problems associated with being overweight, because of their size (due to excess muscle). Which is our fault for not doing the research and asking more questions. Optional Vaccination's are preformed at the hatchery. Yes! This commercial strain (a cross of two breeds, but not technically a breed in its own right) represents some 99 . As they do this, the show catches your attention and the focus is shifted into entertainment. Put a thick layer of a dry and draft free bedding material. Plans underway to breed them back being in progress in the US and Canada. The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely used breed of domesticated turkey. They are smaller, rarely dressing out above thirty pounds, and must be kept with better fencing because they can escape and roost in trees. Broad Breasted White Turkey - Sold as Baby Poults Only - No Sexing Available Seasonal/Shipped Feb thru Late July. No, broad-breasted white turkeys are not poisonous birds as they do not have any poison-producing glands. These birds have small breasts, long legs and are super hardy being able to adapt easily. They also make good pets and you will enjoy entertainment from a tom gobbling, struting and fanning his tail feathers. Breeding Broad Breasted White turkeys requires ongoing care and management. Later, in 1943, Broad Breasted Bronze blood was introduced. The bird gained popularity so early that William Shakespeare referred to them in the play Twelfth Night. How many eggs do Broad Breasted White turkeys lay? Male turkeys have an unusual cap-like crown that extends during the breeding season. In 1874, this new breed of turkey was accepted into the American Poultry Association. Baby turkeys require a protein rich diet if they have to make it to the next stage of life. 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. adElem.style.width = ''; (function () { Dont hesitate to ask us if you have more questions. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. This will discourage ammonia building up and keep them free from respiratory issues. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. But avoiding antibiotics in your familys meat may be worth the added price. Excellent choices for smaller farms and families include the Midget White and Beltsville Small White. See also: Bourbon Red Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics, Featured Image Credit: Lev Levin, Shutterstock. It is commercially the most widely used domesticated turkey for meat. 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. Beef hormones are administered as a pellet behind the ear, a part of the animal which is not consumed. The incubation period of eggs is about 28 days, after which the breeders check the sex of the turkey poults or chicks and distributed them to the grow-out farms. Provide plenty of clean bedding, heat lamps or other heat sources, and a consistent supply of food and water. 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. These birds are grown in large, fully automated grow-out barns, which may house as many as 10,000 birds. The growing process for these birds has been so well refined, the birds often grow to larger than 40 lbs. Their development kicked off in 1930s in the United States when farmers expressed their desire on a meat bird with no dark pin feathers. These supplements are fed as a treat in moderation because they are not their main diet. They are calm and have a good disposition but are a smaller breed weighing in between 8 and 20 pounds. Feed your birds with good and nutritious food. https://www.chickensforbackyards.com/White-Broad-Breasted-Turkey-Unsexed-602.htm. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). Broad Breasted White turkeys are a cross of Broad breasted bronze and White Holland. They are prone to leg and back problems due to their heavy nature. This breed is often used for commercial meat production due to its size and meat quality. They are prone to heart disease, respiratory failure and joint damage. What is the color of Broad Breasted White turkey eggs? Mostly because of the nature of the bird. 3. Meat from a farmer who feeds antibiotics daily will probably be less expensive because it results in fewer veterinary visits, lower labor costs, and fewer dead birds. Disclosure. If you decide to raise Broad Breasted White turkeys rather than heritage types, youre unlikely to have problems with aggression. Provide them with a high-quality turkey feed, as well as fresh water and occasional treats like insects, worms, and vegetables. And now that you know the differences between breeds, would you consider raising a heritage breed versus broad-breasted? 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. 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. Today, they are listed as endangered by the American Poultry Association and are almost extinct with very few species remaining. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! The life span of a broad-breasted white turkey is between two and five years. However, it is more expensive to breed, and its meat has a milder flavor. Yes you can we have a BBB tom that's 3 years old, we do kind of think this is his last year but he's such a sweetheart. Milder turkey meat tends to be more popular but fetches a lower price than gamey, heritage meat. Keeping track of your turkeys weight, growth rate, and overall health is important for their well-being and productivity. The Midget White has the appearance of a miniature version of the commercial Broad Breasted White turkey, but it is still capable of mating naturally. They will require artificial insemination if they have to reproduce. You can incubate eggs using an incubator or a broody hen. A post shared by Alec Bown (@the_average_white_birder). Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But people began to prefer the Broad Breasted White turkey during the beginning in the 1960s. This breed, developed in the 1960s is a cross between the Royal Palm and the Broad Breasted Whites. Slate Turkey: Pictures, Info, Traits, and Care Guide, Bourbon Red Turkey: Facts, Uses, Origins & Characteristics. Although poultry farmers consider it a success story, the White turkey is vulnerable to several medical conditions and rarely lives past five years. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a meat breed. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The White Holland is a very old breed whose country of origin is in the United States. However, the genetic manipulation that created the White bird also made it more vulnerable to obesity. How to start Broad Breasted White turkey farming business? Breeders also give them infrared heaters in the initial days. And always try to take good care of your birds. Their legs and feet are grayish-white. We weren't told they were broad breasted. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The breed was created by selectively breeding several strains of White Holland turkeys, which were known for their large size and meat quality. They mature fast and are good at laying eggs. Hens are smaller and duller than the cocks. Also, look for those heavy breeds like the breasted whites because they cannot mate naturally. Midget whites have good mothering skills and will take good care of their baby turkeys well. You can easily start this business if you follow the steps mentioned below. Be very limiting of any treats, especially BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seeds) and any other high fat foods. These are the things that should be done to meet their requirements and ensure a happy and healthy flock. Today the Broad Breasted White turkeys are grown in large, fully automated grow-out barns, which may house as many as 10,000 birds. Two types of broad-breasted turkeys exist: white and bronze/brown. The broad-breasted white turkey is endemic to America but it can be found on every continent except Antarctica. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a breed of domestic turkey from United States. } else { They have a high feed to meat conversion ratio reaching maturity quickly than other common breeds. Turkeys require an incubation period of around 28 days. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Turkeys are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so its important to keep their housing at a consistent temperature. They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. The breed was actually developed by crossing the White Holland and the Broad Breasted Bronze turkey. It is arduous to housetrain these turkeys and they do produce a large amount of poop. 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. 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.