Black Turkeys have been used in the procreation of many varieties of other turkeys . However , the original Black Turkey breeding standard have not been uphold over years of breeding and are chop-chop decline in timbre and popularity .
For the zealous Meleagris gallopavo breeder , small homesteader , or domestic fowl fancier , the Black Turkey works for many reasons .
About Black Turkeys
In the 1500s , adventurer come back to England with bomb from Mexico . The bird was selectively bred for meat production for two centuries and was give many name in the process .
When the early American colonist came over , they bring along this turkey . Upon arrival , this variety was crossed with the Eastern Wild turkeys , resulting in the Black Turkey we have today .
In 1874 , Black Turkeys were accepted into the American Poultry Association .
Black Turkey Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
Due to the poor breeding in the past several decades , weight for Black Turkey depends mostly on the fostering lines . grant to the breed criterion , an ideal weight for Blacks is 23 pounds for a untried tom . Black Turkey hens weigh in at around 14 Sudanese pound for young hen .
2. Temperament
Black Turkeys should be gentle and serene shuttlecock , but they can at times be aggressive . disposition can alter drastically and breeder choice will affect the final result of these birds .
3. Meat Production
In this variety ’s heyday , it was a good manufacturer of flavoursome meat . heart and soul character from this bird is still good , but some line have good meat producers than others . If the boo come from line with larger turkeys , you should have a nicely dressed out hoot of skillful size .
4. Egg Production
Egg production with turkeysis not the eminent and is definitely the reason why the primary use for turkey is essence and not eggs . However , turkey eggs are large and make for good eating . Turkey laying time of year is not as tenacious or consistent , so consider them a overnice fillip to turkey keeping when you do get them .
Caring for Black Turkeys
1. Feeding and Nutrition
Turkey chicks(also acknowledge as poults ) grow very quickly and need high protein to support their growth . A 30 % dispatcher is ideal , transitioning to a 20 % flock raiser at 8 weeks of years .
Turkeys being raised for meat processing can persist on the hatful raiser until it comes time for butchering . If you are keeping breeding bird or egg layers , bomb hens need to be placed on a plot bird laying feed during laying season . When hens are not laying , the entire flock will do just fine on pile raiser .
2. Housing and Fencing
As larger birds , turkeys do well free roam because they keep off aerialpredatorsdue to their large size . If you select to keep them enclosed , half an Accho needs to be allocate for every twelve dud .
Inside coops , check that to have 8 - 10 square feet per turkey to see to it everyone has adequate spacing . roost take to be no more than 12 - 18 column inch off the ground so that jumping down every morning does not stimulate leg or feet issues .
3. Health Issues and Care
There is a set of wellness subject that all turkeys can dish out with , but the Black Turkey is not overly susceptible to any specific problems . As a joker owner , it ’s a right estimate to familiarize yourself with common ( and less common ) wellness issues to be an informedturkey keeper .
Beware of the risk of infection with mixing dissimilar poultry types such aschickens and turkey . Chickens can conduct comedo , which will impress turkeys much more than it affects chickens . With mixed raft , turkeys can be more vulnerable to getting sick from comedo .
4. Breeding
dud do not lay eggs as consistently as chickens might , so the fostering season for Republic of Turkey could be inadequate . Black Turkeys have the power to pair naturally , unlike some larger varieties in the Meleagris gallopavo earth . In contrast to crybaby , turkey eggs take 28 days to incubate instead of a chicken ’s 21 twenty-four hour period .
Variety Alternatives
1. Bourbon Red Turkeys
Bourbon Red Turkeysare also a heritage variety well befit to homestead dwell . This Republic of Turkey is lofty and kingly in coming into court and a good sum manufacturer for small farms . The Bourbon Red is also an endanger breed that would make a fantastic hobby stock breeder just like the Black Turkey .
Did You Know?
In the state of nature , the chief predator of turkey eggs is skunks ! When it come to the hencoop , anything that can get in will enjoy some tasty orchis if they do n’t get their paws on the bomb first .
The Black Turkey is also moot the oldest diversity of bomb in the UK .
The Black Turkey make a well rounded and practical bird for the squatter that likes a bird with account . A perfect improver to many a peck , you wo n’t regret summate this hiss to your farmyard .
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