Saturday, July 26, 2014

Bourbon Red Turkeys For Sale

By Sharron Cantu


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.

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.

You are able to purchase young toms that weigh under twenty pounds and hens that weigh under ten pounds after they are dressed for the table. Larger mature birds can also be obtained weighing around thirty pounds before dressing but they are usually kept for breeding purposes. One of the attributes of this bird is that because the pin feathers are white they do not stain the skin of the bird and this presents a cleaner, smoother appearance prior to cooking.

These birds make excellent pets because of their non-aggressive nature. The coloring will make them a welcome sight to any barn yard. The vivid coloring of toms, especially during the early fall is awe inspiring. The faces turn from white to blue and the beards are a shimmering black. Back and body feathers glisten in the sun with hues from red to burgundy.

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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