Bourbon Red Turkey

Bourbon Red Turkey

The Bourbon Red Turkey is a rare heritage breed, recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1909. Originally developed in Pennsylvania, it was brought to Kentucky,

Where it gained popularity and eventually got its name from Bourbon County. Known for its striking color pattern, the Bourbon Red Turkey is an excellent choice for farm or backyard flocks, valued for both its beauty and utility.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Bourbon Red Turkey gets its name from its beautiful red and bronze colored feathers that shimmer with an iridescence. The tom’s feathers are dark red with bronze hints, warm and vibrant. The hens also have the same general color pattern but with more muted, softer hues.

• Body Type: Medium to large body, well proportioned and sturdy. Not as heavy as commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White but large enough to produce a good amount of tender meat, especially breast meat. Strong upright posture with a broad chest, one of the defining features of this breed.

• Head and Beak: The text has a prominent snood (the fleshy protuberance that hangs over the beak), often red and more pronounced during mating displays. The wattles are also red and hang down from the sides of the neck. Beak is small and sharp for feeding and foraging.

• Legs and Feet: Yellow legs, strong and well muscled to support the big body. Sturdy feet to help them navigate their environment.

• Tail: Large fan shaped tail with long feathers that spread out in a dramatic display. Tail feathers often have bronze or iridescent sheen, one of the most eye catching feature of the bird.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Friendly: One of the best feature of the Bourbon Red Turkey is its calm and friendly temperament. Not flighty or aggressive like some other breeds, they are gentle and easy to handle. Good for family farms and backyard flocks, not as skittish or aggressive as some other breeds.

• Intelligent and Curious: These turkeys are intelligent and love to forage and explore their environment. Naturally curious, great for free range farming. Not as active as some other heritage breeds but capable of roaming and finding their own food if allowed to do so.
  

  
  Free Range:
  
  

• Good for Free Range: Bourbon Red Turkeys are good for free range, where they can forage for insects, seeds and plants. Their natural foraging instinct allows them to thrive in larger spaces, great for homesteaders and small farms. But like all turkeys, they need to be protected from predators and have a safe place to rest.

Meat Production:

• Flavorful Meat: Bourbon Red Turkey is prized for its rich flavorful meat, especially the breast which is tender and juicy. The meat is more flavorful than commercial turkeys, great for those looking for high quality poultry for cooking. It has an old fashioned turkey flavor that is different from the milder taste of commercial breeds.
  
  

• Moderate Size: Not as big as commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White but still produces a good amount of meat. They are especially prized for their meat to bone ratio. A full grown Bourbon Red tom can weigh 18-30 pounds and hens 8-14 pounds. More manageable than larger commercial breeds, great for smaller farms or homesteads.
  
  

• Slow Growth: As a heritage breed, Bourbon Red Turkeys grow slower than commercial breeds. While slower growth means they are not as efficient for mass production, it also contributes to the rich flavor of their meat. They reach slaughter weight at 24-28 weeks compared to the much faster growing commercial turkeys.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Adaptable: Bourbon Red Turkey is a hardy breed, can adapt to various climates. Unlike many commercial breeds, they are more resilient in cold and warm conditions. Can be raised in different environments, great for small farms or homesteads.

• Health Considerations: Like all turkeys, Bourbon Red Turkeys are prone to certain health issues due to their size and genetic heritage. These issues can include leg weakness or joint problems especially if they grow too fast. Careful management of their diet and living conditions can help mitigate these risks. They also need to be monitored for common poultry diseases like coccidiosis and blackhead.
  
  

• Easy to Care: Bourbon Red Turkey is relatively easy to care for. They don’t need special feeding and can thrive on a well balanced poultry diet with a mix of grains and fresh forage. Regular health checks and a clean living environment will keep them healthy.
  
  

Housing:

• Space: Bourbon Red Turkey is best suited for outdoor housing or free range, where they can forage for food. But they do need a safe, secure shelter to protect them from predators and to rest at night. Their housing should have enough space for them to move around, as they are big birds and need room to roam.
  
  

• Shelter: The shelter for Bourbon Red Turkeys should be dry, clean and well ventilated. Make sure their housing is predator proof especially if they are free ranging. Since they are hardy and can adapt to different climates, their shelter doesn’t need to be elaborate but should protect them from extreme weather.
  
  

What is a Bourbon Red Turkey?
A rare heritage breed of turkey known for its beautiful red and white coloring.

When was the Bourbon Red Turkey recognized as a breed?
It was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1909.

Where did the Bourbon Red Turkey originate?
Developed in Pennsylvania, it gained popularity in Bourbon County, Kentucky.

Is the Bourbon Red Turkey good for farms and backyards?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for both settings due to its beauty and hardy nature.

Where can I buy a Bourbon Red Turkey?
Available from select heritage poultry breeders—check with local suppliers for availability.

Bourbon Red Turkey Facts