The last word most people would use to describe a turkey is beautiful. The name brings visions of hundreds of birds in a pen waiting to become Thanksgiving dinner for millions of Americans. Another vision might be of a wild turkey that roams freely in rural areas across the nation. Most people are unaware of the variety of specialty breeds available in this country. Today you can find bourbon red turkeys for sale in most areas of the country.
These birds were created in Kentucky by selectively breeding buff colored birds with others of high color to create a bird that is a deep chestnut color with contrasting white tails with a red band and white wing feathers. They are the most popular breed of heritage turkey breeds and have the largest population of breeding birds in this class.
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.
These birds can be kept as pets because they have such a non-aggressive demeanor about them. Their coloring also makes them a popular choice for the gentleman farmer with a small acreage where they can roam and forage on their own. They breed naturally and in the fall the faces of the toms change from gray or white to blue to attract females.
When planning to purchase one of these birds for Thanksgiving or Christmas you must pre-order them well in advance. Because the birds forage in addition to their regular feed the weights may vary from what you ordered. Orders are taken in full pound accruements and you will be kept advised as to the differences in actual dressed weight.
You may want to search the internet to see if there are any local producers of this turkey. If not you will find that many of them will ship the bird to you in a frozen state if you pay the shipping costs. If there is a local dealer you may find that he contracts with a butcher in your area and you will be able to pick it up there.
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.
These birds were created in Kentucky by selectively breeding buff colored birds with others of high color to create a bird that is a deep chestnut color with contrasting white tails with a red band and white wing feathers. They are the most popular breed of heritage turkey breeds and have the largest population of breeding birds in this class.
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.
These birds can be kept as pets because they have such a non-aggressive demeanor about them. Their coloring also makes them a popular choice for the gentleman farmer with a small acreage where they can roam and forage on their own. They breed naturally and in the fall the faces of the toms change from gray or white to blue to attract females.
When planning to purchase one of these birds for Thanksgiving or Christmas you must pre-order them well in advance. Because the birds forage in addition to their regular feed the weights may vary from what you ordered. Orders are taken in full pound accruements and you will be kept advised as to the differences in actual dressed weight.
You may want to search the internet to see if there are any local producers of this turkey. If not you will find that many of them will ship the bird to you in a frozen state if you pay the shipping costs. If there is a local dealer you may find that he contracts with a butcher in your area and you will be able to pick it up there.
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.
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You can visit www.rustyducklane.com for more helpful information about Bourbon Red Turkeys For Sale.
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