This gorgeous variety of turkey is arguably one of the prettiest out there , and for a serious reason . Unlike most bomb , the Royal Palm is principally an ornamental and exhibition variety . This bird is far too little to be used for commercial-grade meat product , although some small exfoliation farms will elevate the Royal Palm Turkey for meat .
About Royal Palm Turkeys
In Lake Worth , Florida in the 1920s , Narragansett , Bronze , and Black bomb were crossed along with some native turkeys to bring about this potpourri . In 1971 , the form was officially accepted into the Standard of Perfection with the American Poultry Association . Since then , the Royal Palm has flourished in the show industry , loved by many poultry exhibitors .
Royal Palm Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Part of the reason this variety is not raised mainly for center is due to their petite size ( for a turkey . ) A full - grown Republic of Turkey hen only weighs 10 - 12 pound , which is n’t any more substantial than some in full rise roosters . Tom turkeys weigh between 16 and 22 pounds , which still is fairly small compared to other Meleagris gallopavo varieties such as theBourbon Red .
2. Temperament
you may get a unlike reply on the temperament of Royal Palms from every turkey steward you enquire . At the end of the day , a seemly minute depends on how the turkeys are treat and raised .
Many dud keepers have account very friendly birds from their hand raised and coddled Royal Palms while other bomb keepers wish to refer to them as “ Royal Pains . ” In the goal , I believe a substantial factor for the temperament of any animal is howsocializedthey were from the very beginning of their lives .
3. Exhibition
The primary use of this turkey variety is show at fairs and poultry show . The size of these turkeys makes them easy to transport and treat on a regular basis . Raising show birds expect a morsel more maintenance than raising turkeys for other aim such as centre . It ’s imperative to keep your turkey clear-cut of sponge and avoid all potential disease opportunity . bird with even the small payoff such as louse are not allowed at shows due to biosecurity intellect .
4. Meat Production
This bird has not been choose for traits such as growth and muscling that most meat razzing are opt for . That said , many homesteads raise these turkey for their slow - growing meat because the birds do n’t reach a considerable size and are therefore easier managed .
Caring for Royal Palm Turkeys
1. Feeding and Nutrition
Becauseturkey poultsare speedy cultivator ; they ’ll require more protein than some poultry type . Poults will do well on a 30 % protein starter motor until they hit eight week old . Once your young Republic of Turkey reach 8 weeks old , switch them to a dear flock cultivator with 20 % protein and high - calorie content . bomb can stay on this flock agriculturist until it fall meter for butchering if that ’s their specify purpose .
If you have a flock all class , this means turkey hens will lay eggs . It ’s best to put turkey hens on plot bird laying provender during laying time of year . Generally , taste to keep tom turkey on mickle raiser while turkey hens eat the laying feed if possible .
If you ca n’t keep tom turkeys on a different diet than the hens , it ’s not the conclusion of the world . During the time of year when your turkey are not producing eggs , the whole slew will do just fine on a plenty raiser .
2. Housing and Fencing
Turkeys do passably well asfree rangersbecause they are larger and less susceptible to daytime piranha such as hawks . Many poultry keeper choose to free range their turkeys because it saves them copious amount of time and money in fencing materials and installation .
Inside your cage , 7 - 9 substantial metrical foot per adult shuttle is adequate to ensure everyone has plenty of space . This is a bit smaller than you might cater for a larger turkey such as aBourbon Red , but since the Royal Palms are smaller , they do n’t need as much space . When build up roosts , make trusted to place them no more than 18 inches off the ground . hop off high-pitched places for gravid birds such as bomb can induce branch and feet trouble .
During the solar day , your birds will ask a minimum of a half Accho per every XII turkeys .
3. Health Issues and Care
Royal Palm Turkeys are not any more susceptible to wellness issues than the next dud , but there are some everyday things to keep an oculus out for in your stack . It ’s a cracking idea to familiarise yourself with rough-cut ( and the rare ace because you never know ) diseases so that you’re able to keep your eye out for them .
If you are march Royal Palm turkeys , sustain gamy biosecurity and quarantine practice to avoid bringing home an sickness from a poultry show .
4. Breeding
Due to the little sizing of the Royal Palm , they are able to breed naturally , instead of via artificial insemination , like theBroad Breastedturkey requires .
When breeding a Bronx cheer that is used primarily for show , it ’s important to only breed turkeys with desirable traits for record . learn the monetary standard of perfection for the variety so that you could breed for the correct marking and other traits .
Variety Alternatives
1. Midget White
TheMidget Whiteturkey is another lowly turkey variety well suit to homestead life with limited blank space . This turkey is about the size of the Royal Palm , but choose for some meat qualities that the Royal Palms do not have .
Did You Know?
This variety is heel as threaten by thelivestock conservancy . This means that there is an estimated global population of less than 5,000 Royal Palm dud .
If you are interested in Republic of Turkey conservation , or preservation , this makes a marvelous project bird . Any individual interested in showing a turkey would decidedly want to look into the Royal Palm . This is an all - around slap-up Meleagris gallopavo that belongs on all homesteads .
Was this article helpful?
What went wrong?
This clause contains faulty entropy
This clause does not have the information I am look for
How can we improve it?
We appreciate your helpful feedback!
Your answer will be used to improve our message . The more feedback you give us , the better our Page can be .