Heritage Turkeys

What makes a Breed Heritage? There are two ways this term is used. Heritage Breed can refer to an old, traditional, original breed that was used in the development of a different breed through crossbreeding. It is also used to describe a breed that requires no artificial insemination for reproduction.

Bourbon Red - On the ALBC Watch List, Bourbon Red Turkeys are heavy breasted and have richly flavored meat. Standard weights for Bourbon Reds are 23 pounds for young toms and 14 pounds for young hens.

Broad Breasted Bronze - On the ALBC Study List, The standard weight for young toms is 25 pounds and for young hens is 16 pounds. Due to their fitness, survivability, and superior flavor there is a growing market niche.

Chocolate - On the ALBC Critical List, This very rare breed is approximately the size of the Black Spanish. The history behind these birds is sketchy, they were common in the Southern U.S. and France before the Civil War. Large numbers of breeders were lost during the war.

Midget White - On the ALBC Critical List, the Midget White Turkey is broad breasted, with the looks of a miniature commercial Broad Breasted White turkey. This provides good meat production and makes them fine for the table. The variety was developed from a cross of a commercial Broad Breasted White turkey and an exhibition Royal Palm. Midget White toms average 13 lbs., hens average 8 lbs.

Narragansett - On the ALBC Threatened List, the Narragansett Turkey has wonderful flavor. Standard weight for young hens is 14 pounds and toms is 23 pounds.