Few people think of beauty when considering the appearance of a turkey. The picture that comes to mind for most is a large white bird that is raised in massive numbers on ranches to satisfy the holiday appetites of the American people. Another common sight today is the gray and black wild turkey that has recovered its numbers in many states in America. Most people are not aware of the bourbon red turkeys for sale in this country.
This breed of turkey was created in Kentucky in the early nineteen hundreds through intermixing various colorful breeds until the proper characteristics and colors were attained. The color became a deep chestnut red with white tail and wings. The tail has a band of red through the tail feathers that give the toms an exotic look when they strut.
This breed of bird proved to be very popular for holiday meals in the first half of the twentieth century but like other breeds of turkey their popularity declined when the broad breasted white turkey became commercialized. Their numbers also declined during this period they became classed as rare. They have regained a modicum of favor since the turn of the century and their numbers are increasing. In spite of this resurgence they remain on the watch list and there are less than five thousand birds registered as breeders.
The young toms usually weigh in slightly over fifteen pounds when dressed for cooking. Hens weigh three of four pounds less than the toms. You can find mature birds that weigh over thirty pounds. Mature birds are best for breeding and few are sold for the table. The carcass of these birds has a clean, smooth look because the their white pin feathers do not stain the skin.
Many of these birds are kept as pets because of their docile nature and beautiful coloring. They are also popular for exhibition because of the vibrant coloring they display. The toms faces are gray or blue during breeding season. Their beards are black and their darker feathers shimmer with greens and dark blues in the sun.
Most producers will require that you pre-order your birds well ahead of any holidays and most recommend that you purchase more than one bird for the season. The birds are allowed to forage during the day in pastures and are fed supplemental grains and feed to help them gain and retain weight. The producer will take your order using full pound weights and although they cannot guarantee the exact poundage for your bird they will get as close as they possibly can.
Many farmers or ranchers who offer them for purchase have contacts with retailers where you will be able to pick up your bird. Others offer a discount for those who come to the property and collect their own orders while still others will ship the order in Styrofoam ice chests packed with dry ice. Most sellers will recommend that you purchase more than one bird at a time from them so you may have one for later in the year.
Purchasing this type of turkey may offer you and opportunity to experience one of the best meals in memory or if the bird is alive you may find that a turkey makes a fine family pet.
This breed of turkey was created in Kentucky in the early nineteen hundreds through intermixing various colorful breeds until the proper characteristics and colors were attained. The color became a deep chestnut red with white tail and wings. The tail has a band of red through the tail feathers that give the toms an exotic look when they strut.
This breed of bird proved to be very popular for holiday meals in the first half of the twentieth century but like other breeds of turkey their popularity declined when the broad breasted white turkey became commercialized. Their numbers also declined during this period they became classed as rare. They have regained a modicum of favor since the turn of the century and their numbers are increasing. In spite of this resurgence they remain on the watch list and there are less than five thousand birds registered as breeders.
The young toms usually weigh in slightly over fifteen pounds when dressed for cooking. Hens weigh three of four pounds less than the toms. You can find mature birds that weigh over thirty pounds. Mature birds are best for breeding and few are sold for the table. The carcass of these birds has a clean, smooth look because the their white pin feathers do not stain the skin.
Many of these birds are kept as pets because of their docile nature and beautiful coloring. They are also popular for exhibition because of the vibrant coloring they display. The toms faces are gray or blue during breeding season. Their beards are black and their darker feathers shimmer with greens and dark blues in the sun.
Most producers will require that you pre-order your birds well ahead of any holidays and most recommend that you purchase more than one bird for the season. The birds are allowed to forage during the day in pastures and are fed supplemental grains and feed to help them gain and retain weight. The producer will take your order using full pound weights and although they cannot guarantee the exact poundage for your bird they will get as close as they possibly can.
Many farmers or ranchers who offer them for purchase have contacts with retailers where you will be able to pick up your bird. Others offer a discount for those who come to the property and collect their own orders while still others will ship the order in Styrofoam ice chests packed with dry ice. Most sellers will recommend that you purchase more than one bird at a time from them so you may have one for later in the year.
Purchasing this type of turkey may offer you and opportunity to experience one of the best meals in memory or if the bird is alive you may find that a turkey makes a fine family pet.
