There are many breeds of turkeys in the world. But there are not as many breeds of turkeys as there are breeds of chickens or ducks. Although there are many varieties to choose from.
Some of these breeds are suitable for commercial meat production, some are suitable for decorating your home, and some turkey breeds are suitable for keeping as pets. For commercial purposes, most farmers raised turkeys for meat production.
Different types of turkey breeds
You should educate yourself on the different breeds of turkeys. Here we are talking about some common and popular breeds of turkeys.
Beltsville small white
Beltsville small white turkeys were bred in the 1930s. They are similar in size to white dwarfs. But Beltsville small white turkeys have larger breasts than pygmy whites.
Beltsville small white turkeys are excellent table birds, but are gentler than dwarfs or some other historic birds. They are prolific laying hens, and mature hens are good nurses and hatch well. Although they are not very social compared to other traditional turkey breeds.
black turkey
The black turkey is a domestic breed of turkey. It was domesticated from Mexican wild turkeys brought to Europe by the first Spanish explorers to visit the United States. Black turkeys have been around since the 1500s and their plumage is black. This breed is available in many European countries.
blue slate
The blue slate is a domestic breed of turkey. Their plumage is slate grey. They are lighter birds and are sometimes called lavender turkeys.
In fact, the slate turkey can be any number of shades from white to pure black. They are among the beautiful breeds of ancient turkeys. An adult Blue Slate chicken can weigh around 14 pounds and an adult cat can weigh around 23 pounds.
Red bourbons
Bourbon red turkeys are very attractive birds with their beautiful red plumage. They are also known and popular for their full flavor, delicious meat and are considered one of the tastiest traditional turkey breeds.
This breed is native to Bourbon County, Kentucky. They were first bred here in the 1800s. A mature Bourbon chicken weighs around 12 pounds, while a mature cat can reach around 23 pounds.
Broad-breasted whites
White-breasted turkeys are modern commercially raised turkeys. They are available in almost every country in the world.
They have the highest conversion rate from feed to meat in the shortest time (like broiler chickens) and are ideal for commercial turkey farming. Although there are problems with broad-breasted white turkeys.
They cannot fly or walk. They are susceptible to disease like other industrial poultry and cannot breed without artificial insemination. They also don’t taste as good as other breeds of turkeys. They are only suitable for industrial production.
white dwarf
White dwarf turkeys are a relatively new hereditary breed. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed this breed of turkey in the 1960s. They are a hybrid of broad-breasted whites and royal palms. They are smaller in size and are known for their deep and delicious taste.
Midget White turkeys are calm by nature and are good chick raisers (because Midget White hens are small and can be good jumpers). A mature white pygmy hen weighs 8 to 12 pounds and a mature cat weighs 16 to 20 pounds.
Narragansett
Narragansett turkeys were a New England turkey staple before factory-farmed turkeys became the norm (they originated in Rhode Island). On average, adult Narragansett chickens weigh about 18 pounds and hens about 30 pounds.
regular bronze
The standard bronze turkey is one of the largest historical turkey breeds. They were also the most popular breed of turkey in American history. The bronzes were originally a cross between native wild turkeys (discovered by Europeans) from the Americas and turkeys brought to the colonies by Europeans.
Of the standard bronze varieties, the broad-breasted bronze is the most commercially grown variety, and most have been bred by artificial insemination since the 1960s. But at that time, this variety was replaced by the broad-breasted white .
Because the white feathers of broad-breasted white turkeys have made them cleaner and have become the most commercially acceptable breed of turkey.
On average, an adult chicken weighs about 16 pounds and a cat about 25 pounds. Although the birds currently available may be smaller than this.
Royal Palm
The Royal Palm Turkey is a very beautiful breed of colorful turkey. In fact, they were bred for their beauty. They have white and black plumage. They were not bred for commercial purposes.
Because they are smaller than most other traditional varieties. They are mainly grown to showcase or enhance the beauty of a home or farm.
Although they are suitable for the production of meat for family consumption. The Royal Palm is an active breed of turkey that feeds actively, has good insect control, and is also a good flighter. Royal Palm chickens weigh around 10 pounds and toms weigh around 16 pounds.
white holland
Holland white turkeys were bred in Holland. This breed of turkey migrated to the United States with the first settlers. And they were popular as meat birds in the 1800s. Holland white turkeys are known for their calm natures and good passers and mothers.
But sometimes they break the eggs because the hens are so heavy. A mature White Holland hen can weigh up to 20 pounds and a mature cat can weigh up to 30 pounds.
heritage of turkey
Inheritance breed is a herding term applied to animals that have been bred over time to best suit local conditions. These traditional breeds can resist disease and can survive very well in harsh environments.
There are several traditional turkey breeds to choose from. These breeds are the most popular and common for industrial turkey farming. Thirteen recognized traditional turkey breeds are available.
These are common turkey breeds. Choose one depending on the purpose of your education.
video
