Best turkey breeds for backyard meat?
Choosing the right turkey breed is crucial for backyard meat production. Different breeds vary significantly in growth rate, mature size, feed efficiency, temperament, and hardiness. Selecting a breed that matches your space, climate, and experience level is important for success. This is a common question for beginners.
- Broad Breasted White4
Solution: Raise Broad Breasted White turkeys. Explanation: This is the most common commercial breed, known for rapid growth and large size, primarily breast meat. They reach market weight quickly (16-20 weeks). However, they are not natural breeders, can have leg problems due to their weight, and…
📌 comercial4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Standard coop, feeder, waterer, high-protein feed
- Broad Breasted Bronze4
Solution: Opt for Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. Explanation: Similar to the White variety in terms of rapid growth and large size, but with bronze plumage. They share the same advantages (meat yield) and disadvantages (breeding difficulty, potential health issues, lower hardiness) as the Broad…
📌 comercial4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Standard coop, feeder, waterer, high-protein feed
- Standard Bronze4
Solution: Choose the Standard Bronze heritage breed. Explanation: A heritage breed that predates the Broad Breasted varieties. They grow slower, reaching a moderate size (16-25 lbs) in about 24-28 weeks. They are hardier, better foragers, can breed naturally, and have a more balanced meat…
📌 heritage4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Coop, feeder, waterer, potentially more range space
- Bourbon Red5
Solution: Raise Bourbon Red turkeys. Explanation: A popular heritage breed known for its beautiful reddish plumage and flavorful meat. They are active foragers, good mothers, and relatively calm. They reach market weight (14-23 lbs) in about 24-28 weeks. Notes: Excellent choice for smaller flocks…
📌 heritage4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Coop, feeder, waterer, range space recommended
- Narragansett4
Solution: Consider Narragansett turkeys. Explanation: A threatened heritage breed known for its hardiness, good foraging ability, calm disposition, and maternal skills. They have unique gray/black/white plumage and produce flavorful meat, reaching market size (14-23 lbs) in 24-28 weeks. Notes: Good…
📌 heritage4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Coop, feeder, waterer, range space recommended
- White Holland4
Solution: Select White Holland turkeys. Explanation: Another heritage breed, known for its white plumage, calm temperament, and good foraging ability. They are slower growing than Broad Breasted types but faster than some other heritage breeds, reaching market weight (16-25 lbs) around 20-24 weeks.…
📌 heritage4/16/2025, 10:19:47 PM
🛠️ Coop, feeder, waterer, range space beneficial