Turkey Breeds: Top 10 Breeds for High Profit

There are many turkey breeds available throughout the world. But not nearly as many turkey breeds as there are chicken breeds or duck breeds. Although, there are still enough varieties to choose from.

Some of these breeds are good for commercial meat production purpose, some are good for enhancing beauty of your home, and some turkey breeds are good for raising as pets. For commercial purpose, most of the farmers used to raise turkeys for meat production.

Choosing the right turkey breed is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your success in commercial turkey farming business.

Here in this guide, we are going to discuss about different types of turkety breeds with their characteristics and some best turkey breeds for many different purposes. Hope this guide will help you!

Different Types of Turkey Breeds

Turkey breeds come in various sizes, colors, and characteristics, making them an ideal choice for backyard farmers, commercial producers, and hobbyists alike.

Some of the most common turkey breeds are the Broad Breasted White, Narragansett, Bourbon Red, Royal Palm, Bronze, and White Holland.

The Broad Breasted White is popular for its large size and efficiency in meat production, while the Narragansett is known for its calm temperament and ability to forage.

The Bourbon Red has a striking appearance and excellent flavor, while the Royal Palm is a small breed used for ornamental purposes.

The Bronze is a heritage breed with excellent meat quality and hardiness, and the White Holland is a popular choice for meat production and backyard farming.

You should learn about various types of turkey breeds. Here we are shortly describing about some common and popular turkey breeds, with their characteristics.

Beltsville Small White Turkey

Beltsville small white turkeys were developed in the 1930s. They are similar in size as the Midget Whites. But Beltsville small white turkeys have wider breasts than the Midget Whites.

Beltsvile small white turkeys make a nice table bird but are blander than Midgets or some other heritage birds. They are prolific layers and mature hens are good sitters and can hatch eggs well. Although, they are not very social compared to other heritage turkey breeds.

Appearance and Size

One of the most striking characteristics of the Beltsville Small White Turkey is its size. This breed is smaller than the Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze, which are the most common commercial turkey breeds in the United States.

Mature males weigh between 16 and 22 pounds, while females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. This makes the Beltsville Small White Turkey an excellent choice for smaller farms or backyard flocks, as they require less space and feed than larger breeds.

Temperament

Another characteristic of the Beltsville Small White Turkey is their calm and docile temperament. They are known to be friendly and easy to handle, making them a good choice for families or beginners who are new to turkey farming. They also make excellent pets, as they are intelligent and enjoy human interaction.

Feed Conversion

The Beltsville Small White Turkey is also known for its efficient feed conversion. They are able to convert feed into body weight more efficiently than many other turkey breeds, which means that they require less feed per pound of body weight gained. This makes them a more cost-effective choice for farmers who are concerned about feed costs.

Good Quality Meat

The meat of the Beltsville Small White Turkey is also highly valued. The meat is tender, juicy, and flavorful, with a fine texture that is not too dry or stringy. The smaller size of the breed also means that the meat is more suited for smaller families or gatherings.

Vulnerability to Disease

One potential drawback of the Beltsville Small White Turkey is their vulnerability to disease. Because they are a heritage breed, they may not have the same level of disease resistance as commercial breeds, which can be a concern for some farmers. However, with proper care and management, the risk of disease can be minimized.

Black Turkey

Black turkey is a domestic turkey breed. It was domesticated from Mexican wild turkeys brought back to Europe by the first Spanish explorers who visited the USA. Black turkeys have been around since the 1500s and their plumage is black. This breed is available in many European nations.

Appearance

The feathers are a rich, glossy black color, with iridescent hues of green and purple that shine in the sunlight. This striking appearance makes the Black Turkey a popular choice for exhibition and ornamental purposes.

Size

This breed is a medium-sized turkey, with mature males weighing between 16 and 22 pounds, and females weighing between 8 and 12 pounds. This makes them a good choice for small farms or backyard flocks, as they require less space and feed than larger breeds.

Meat Quality

The Black Turkey is also known for its flavorful meat. The meat is rich and tender, with a full flavor that is more intense than that of many commercial turkey breeds. This makes the Black Turkey a popular choice for meat production, particularly among small-scale farmers and specialty markets.

Hardiness

They are well-suited for outdoor rearing, and are able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. They are also known to be strong and healthy birds, with a high level of disease resistance.

Growth Rate

Black Turkeys take longer to reach maturity than some commercial breeds, which means that they require more time and feed before they are ready for market. This can be a concern for farmers who are looking to maximize their production and profits.

Blue Slate Turkey

Blue slate is a domestic turkey breed. They have slate gray color plumage. They are lighter birds and are also sometimes called Lavender turkeys.

Actually slate turkey breed may be any number of shades between white and pure black. They are among the beautiful heritage turkey breeds. Adult Blue Slate hen can weight about 14 pounds and an adult tom can weight about 23 pounds.

Appearance

The feathers of the Blue Slate Turkey are a soft, slate blue color with irregular white edging, giving them a mottled appearance that is highly sought after by breeders and poultry enthusiasts.

This coloration is especially noticeable on the male birds, who display an impressive array of colors and patterns during breeding season.

Size

Adult males typically weigh between 16 and 22 pounds, while females weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. This makes them a good choice for small farms or backyard flocks, as they require less space and feed than larger breeds.

Meat Quality

In addition to their attractive appearance, Blue Slate Turkeys are also highly prized for their flavorful meat. Their meat is tender and succulent, with a rich, gamey flavor that is highly prized by gourmets and chefs alike.

This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to raise turkeys for meat production, especially those interested in providing high-quality, locally-sourced food.

Temperament

Another important characteristic of the Blue Slate Turkey is their good temperament. They are known for being calm, friendly birds that are easy to handle and care for. This makes them an excellent choice for those new to poultry farming, or for families with children who want to raise turkeys as pets.

Challenges

However, like all breeds of turkeys, Blue Slate Turkeys have their own unique challenges. They can be somewhat delicate as chicks, requiring careful handling and monitoring to ensure their health and well-being.

They can also be somewhat slow-growing, which may be a concern for those looking to maximize their production and profits.

Bourbon Red Turkey

Bourbon Red turkeys are very attractive birds for their beautiful red plumage. They are also known and popular for a full flavor, delicious meat and are considered as one of the best tasting heritage turkey breeds.

This breed came from their origin in Bourbon county, Kentucky. They were first bred there during the 1800s. A mature Bourbon hen weights about 12 pounds and a mature tom can reach about 23 pounds.

Appearance

The Bourbon Red Turkeys have a rich, mahogany-red plumage with white flight feathers on their wings. This coloration is especially vibrant on the males, who display a striking array of colors and patterns during breeding season.

Meat Quality

In addition to their attractive appearance, Bourbon Red Turkeys are highly valued for their excellent meat quality. Their meat is tender, flavorful, and well-marbled, with a rich, distinctive flavor that is highly prized by chefs and gourmets alike.

This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to raise turkeys for meat production, especially those interested in providing high-quality, locally-sourced food.

Temperament

The Bourbon Red Turkeys are known for being calm, friendly birds that are easy to handle and care for. This makes them an excellent choice for those new to poultry farming, or for families with children who want to raise turkeys as pets.

Hardiness and Adaptability

Bourbon Red Turkeys are also known for their hardiness and adaptability. They are well-suited for outdoor ranging and are able to thrive in a variety of climates and environments. They are also good foragers, making them a good choice for those interested in raising turkeys on pasture or in free-range systems.

Challenges

However, like all breeds of turkeys, Bourbon Red Turkeys have their own unique challenges. They can be somewhat slow-growing, which may be a concern for those looking to maximize their production and profits. They can also be prone to health issues such as respiratory infections, which require careful monitoring and management.

Broad Breasted White Turkey

Broad Breasted white turkeys are modern turkey breed which are raised commercially in farms. They are available in almost every country around the globe.

They have maximum conversion ratio of feed to meat in shortest possible time (like broiler chicken breeds) and very suitable for commercial turkey farming business. Although, there are some problems with Broad-Breasted white turkeys.

They can’t fly or walk. They are prone to diseases like other factory farm raised poultry birds and they can’t reproduce without artificial insemination. They also don’t taste too good like other turkey breeds. They are only suitable for factory farm production purpose.

Appearance

As the name suggests, the Broad Breasted White Turkey is primarily white in color, with a smooth, featherless head and neck. They have a large, round body and a wide, flat breast. The males have a prominent snood (fleshy growth on the head) and a long, pointed beard.

Size

The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a large breed, with mature birds typically weighing between 18 and 30 pounds. They are known for their broad, plump breast and muscular thighs.

Meat Quality

The Broad Breasted White Turkey is highly valued for its meat quality, which is tender, juicy, and flavorful. They have a large breast that is rich in white meat, making them a popular choice for Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts.

Growth Rate

One of the key characteristics of the Broad Breasted White Turkey is its rapid growth rate. They are able to reach market weight (around 20 pounds) in as little as 14 weeks, making them a popular choice for commercial meat production.

Temperament

While turkeys in general are known for being somewhat skittish and nervous, the Broad Breasted White Turkey is known for being relatively calm and docile. They are easy to handle and are generally good-natured birds.

Health Concerns

Due to their rapid growth rate and large size, the Broad Breasted White Turkey can be prone to health issues such as heart disease and joint problems. They may also be more susceptible to respiratory infections and other illnesses than other breeds of turkey.

Midget White Turkey

Midget White turkeys are relatively a new heritage breed. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed this turkey breed in the 1960s. They are a cross of Broad-Breasted whites and Royal Palm. They are smaller in size and are known for their deep, delicious flavor.

Midget White turkeys are calm in nature and do well raising poults (because the Midget White hens are small and they can become good fence-jumpers). A mature Midget White hen weights about 8 to 12 pounds and a mature tom weights about 16 to 20 pounds.

Appearance

The Midget White Turkey is primarily white in color, with a short, curved beak and a red snood (fleshy growth on the head). They have a round, plump body and a wide breast. Their feathers are predominantly white, with black or bronze accents on the wings and tail.

Size

The Midget White Turkey is a small breed, with mature birds typically weighing between 8 and 16 pounds. They have a compact body with a rounded breast, and their small size makes them a good choice for smaller households or those with limited space.

Meat Quality

Despite their small size, the Midget White Turkey is known for their excellent meat quality. They have a tender, flavorful meat that is highly valued by those who raise them for meat production.

Temperament

One of the key characteristics of the Midget White Turkey is their friendly and docile temperament. They are known for being curious and sociable birds, and they often enjoy interacting with humans.

Hardiness

The Midget White Turkey is a hardy breed that is well-suited to a range of climates. They are able to tolerate both heat and cold, making them a good choice for those living in more extreme environments.

Breeding

The Midget White Turkey is a naturally mating breed, meaning that they are able to reproduce without the need for artificial insemination. This can be a desirable trait for those who are interested in breeding turkeys naturally.

Narragansett Turkey

Narragansett turkeys were the staple of the New England turkey scene before factory farmed turkeys became the norm (they are originally from Rhode Island). On an average, mature Narragansett hens weight about 18 pounds and toms weight about 30 pounds.

Appearance

The Narragansett Turkey is primarily gray in color, with black and tan stripes on its feathers. They have a red snood (fleshy growth on the head) and a curved, black beak. They are an attractive and distinctive breed, with a striking appearance.

Size

The Narragansett Turkey is a medium-sized breed, with mature birds typically weighing between 18 and 30 pounds. They have a long, narrow body shape and a prominent breast.

Meat Quality

The Narragansett Turkey is highly valued for its excellent meat quality. They have a tender, flavorful meat that is well-suited to a variety of cooking methods.

Temperament

The Narragansett Turkey is known for its friendly and docile temperament. They are a sociable bird that is often easy to handle and work with.

Hardiness

The Narragansett Turkey is a hardy breed that is well-suited to a range of climates. They are able to tolerate both heat and cold, making them a good choice for those living in more extreme environments.

Breeding

The Narragansett Turkey is a naturally mating breed, meaning that they are able to reproduce without the need for artificial insemination. This can be a desirable trait for those who are interested in breeding turkeys naturally.

Standard Bronze Turkey

Standard Bronze turkey is one of the largest heritage turkey breeds. They have also been the most popular turkey breeds in American history. Bronzes were originally a cross between the native wild turkeys (discovered by Europeans) in America and the turkeys brought to the colonies by Europeans.

Among the Standard Bronze varieties, the Broad-Breasted Bronze is the most commercially raised variety and most have been bred by artificial insemination since the 1960s. But this variety was replaced by the Broad-Breasted White at that time.

Because white feathers of Broad-Breasted White turkeys led to a cleaner looking and they become most commercially acceptable turkey breed.

On an average, an adult hen weights about 16 pounds and a tom can reach about 25 pounds. Although birds which are available nowadays may be smaller than this.

Appearance

The Standard Bronze Turkey has a distinctive appearance, with a dark, metallic sheen to its feathers. They have a black tail with bronze or copper-colored feathers on their wings and body. They have a red snood (fleshy growth on the head) and a curved, ivory-colored beak.

Size

The Standard Bronze Turkey is a large breed, with mature birds typically weighing between 25 and 36 pounds. They have a broad, muscular body shape and a prominent breast.

Meat Quality

The Standard Bronze Turkey is highly valued for its excellent meat quality. They have a tender, juicy meat that is well-suited to a variety of cooking methods.

Temperament

The Standard Bronze Turkey is known for its friendly and docile temperament. They are a sociable bird that is often easy to handle and work with.

Hardiness

The Standard Bronze Turkey is a hardy breed that is well-suited to a range of climates. They are able to tolerate both heat and cold, making them a good choice for those living in more extreme environments.

Breeding

The Standard Bronze Turkey is a naturally mating breed, meaning that they are able to reproduce without the need for artificial insemination. This can be a desirable trait for those who are interested in breeding turkeys naturally.

Royal Palm Turkey

The Royal Palm turkey is a very beautiful, striking turkey breed. Actually, they were bred for their good looks. They have white and black plumage. They were breed not for commercial purpose.

Because they are smaller in size than most other heritage varieties. They are mostly raised for exhibition or enhancing beauty of home or farm.

Although, they are suitable for meat production for family consumption purpose. Royal Palm are active turkey breed that forage extensively, they can control insects well and are also good flyers. Royal Palm hens weight about 10 pounds and toms weight about 16 pounds.

Appearance

The Royal Palm Turkey has a distinctive appearance, with a pure white body and striking black edging on their feathers. They have a red snood (fleshy growth on the head) and a curved, ivory-colored beak.

Size

The Royal Palm Turkey is a relatively small breed, with mature birds typically weighing between 10 and 16 pounds. They have a slender, graceful body shape and a prominent breast.

Meat Quality

While the Royal Palm Turkey is primarily kept as an ornamental breed, they do have good meat quality. Their meat is tender and flavorful, making them a good choice for those who want to raise turkeys for both meat production and ornamental value.

Temperament

The Royal Palm Turkey is known for its friendly and docile temperament. They are a sociable bird that is often easy to handle and work with.

Hardiness

The Royal Palm Turkey is a hardy breed that is well-suited to a range of climates. They are able to tolerate both heat and cold, making them a good choice for those living in more extreme environments.

Breeding

The Royal Palm Turkey is a naturally mating breed, meaning that they are able to reproduce without the need for artificial insemination. This can be a desirable trait for those who are interested in breeding turkeys naturally.

White Holland Turkey

White Holland turkeys were bred in Holland. This turkey breed migrated to the USA with early settlers to the country. And they were popular as meat bird in the 1800s. White Holland turkeys are calm in nature and good setters and mothers.

But they sometimes break their eggs because the hens are so heavy. A mature White Holland hen can weight up to 20 pounds and a mature tom can weight up to 30 pounds.

Appearance

As their name suggests, White Holland Turkeys have a pure white plumage that is free of any markings or patterns. They have a small, red snood (fleshy growth on the head) and a short, curved beak.

Size

White Holland Turkeys are a large breed of turkey, with mature birds weighing between 16 and 25 pounds on average. They have a broad, deep chest and a plump, round appearance.

Meat Quality

The White Holland Turkey is renowned for its excellent meat quality, which is both tender and flavorful. They are often raised for their meat and are a popular choice for holiday feasts.

Temperament

White Holland Turkeys are generally calm and docile birds, although they can be somewhat reserved or aloof at times. They are a sociable breed that is often easy to handle and work with.

Hardiness

While the White Holland Turkey can be susceptible to certain health issues, they are generally a hardy breed that is able to adapt to a range of climates. They do require adequate shelter and protection from extreme temperatures, however.

Breeding

White Holland Turkeys are a naturally mating breed, meaning that they are able to reproduce without the need for artificial insemination. They are often bred for their meat, although they can also be bred for their ornamental value.

Best Turkey Breeds for Different Purposes

Not all the breeds are good for all purposes. So, here we are listing some best breeds for many different purposes.

Best Turkey Breeds for Meat

The best turkey breeds for meat include the Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze, which are known for their large size and fast growth rate.

Heritage breeds such as the Bourbon Red and Narragansett also offer flavorful meat, while the Jersey Buff is a newer breed gaining popularity among small-scale farmers. The choice ultimately depends on specific needs, preferences, and available resources.

Best Turkey Breeds for Pets

Turkeys can make great pets due to their friendly personalities, docile nature, and sometimes even their ability to learn tricks. Some of the best turkey breeds for pets include the Royal Palm, Narragansett, and Bourbon Red.

These breeds are generally calm and friendly towards humans, making them good choices for those looking for a turkey companion. As with any pet, it’s important to ensure that you have the resources and space to properly care for them.

Best Turkey Breeds for Eggs

While turkeys are not typically raised for their eggs, some breeds are better egg layers than others. The best turkey breeds for eggs include the Narragansett, Royal Palm, and Bronze.

These breeds can lay up to 80-100 eggs per year, which is significantly more than other turkey breeds. However, their eggs are smaller than chicken eggs and are not as commonly used for consumption.

If you are looking for a turkey breed primarily for egg production, it’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate facilities and care in place to support their needs.

Most Expensive Turkey Breeds

The most expensive turkey breeds are generally rare heritage breeds or those that have unique features or characteristics. One such breed is the White Holland, a large heritage breed with a delicious meat that can fetch a high price.

The Standard Bronze, with its distinctive metallic feathers, is also a rare and expensive breed. The Black Spanish turkey, with its striking black plumage and white skin, is another pricey option.

Other rare and expensive turkey breeds include the Bourbon Red, Royal Palm, and Narragansett. The high cost of these breeds is often due to their rarity, unique features, and the cost of raising them.

Largest Turkey Breeds

The largest turkey breeds are generally the Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze, which are raised primarily for meat production. These breeds can reach a weight of up to 30 pounds (13.6 kg) in just a few months, making them ideal for commercial meat production.

Other large turkey breeds include the Jersey Giant and the Narragansett. It’s important to note that the large size of these breeds can make them more challenging to raise, as they require more space and resources than smaller breeds.

Best Small Turkey Breeds

The best small turkey breeds are ideal for backyard or small-scale farmers who have limited space and resources. Some of the best small turkey breeds include the Midget White, Beltsville Small White, and the Royal Palm.

These breeds are generally easy to handle and are known for their friendly personalities. They also require less space and feed than larger turkey breeds, making them a more practical option for those with limited resources.

However, it’s important to note that small turkey breeds typically have smaller meat yields, so they may not be ideal for those raising turkeys for meat production.

Best Colorful Turkey Breeds

The best colorful turkey breeds are those with unique and vibrant plumage. One such breed is the Bourbon Red, which has beautiful red feathers and distinctive white markings.

The Royal Palm is another colorful turkey breed, with a striking black and white pattern that resembles a palm tree. The Narragansett is known for its iridescent feathers that have a metallic sheen, while the Slate turkey has a beautiful blue-gray color.

Other colorful turkey breeds include the Black Spanish, White Midget, and Blue Slate. These breeds are not only attractive, but also make great backyard or small-scale farm turkeys due to their friendly personalities and ease of care.

Best Ornamental Turkey Breeds

The best ornamental turkey breeds are those that have unique and attractive physical features. One such breed is the White Midget, a small breed with pure white feathers and a delicate appearance.

The Narragansett is also a popular ornamental breed, with its striking black and white feathers and iridescent sheen. The Royal Palm is another ornamental turkey breed, with a distinctive black and white pattern resembling a palm tree.

Other ornamental turkey breeds include the Blue Slate, Black Spanish, and Bourbon Red, each with their own unique physical characteristics. These breeds are not only beautiful, but also make great additions to backyard or small-scale farms due to their friendly personalities and ease of care.

Best Heritage Turkey Breeds

Heritage turkey breeds are those that are not genetically modified and have a historical significance. The best heritage turkey breeds include the Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Standard Bronze, and Black Spanish.

These breeds have been around for centuries and are known for their rich, flavorful meat. They are also generally hardier and more adaptable to free-range environments than modern turkey breeds.

Heritage breeds can be more challenging to find and are typically more expensive than commercial breeds, but are highly valued for their unique flavors and conservation value in preserving genetic diversity.

Wild Turkey Breeds

Wild turkey breeds are the ancestor of domesticated turkeys and can still be found in the wild in North America.

There are six subspecies of wild turkeys in North America, including the Eastern, Osceola, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Gould’s, and Ocellated turkeys. Each subspecies has its own unique physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat preferences.

While wild turkeys are primarily hunted for sport or food, they also play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and are a valuable resource for wildlife management.

Best Turkey Breeds in India

There are several turkey breeds that are suitable for rearing in India. The most popular breed is the Broad Breasted White, which is known for its fast growth and high meat yield.

Other popular turkey breeds in India include the Bronze, Narragansett, and Royal Palm. These breeds are adaptable to the Indian climate and are raised for meat production.

However, turkey rearing is still a relatively new practice in India, and farmers may face challenges in terms of access to high-quality breeding stock, feed, and veterinary care.

Best Turkey Breeds in Uganda

Turkey rearing is a growing industry in Uganda, and there are several breeds that are suitable for rearing in the country. The most popular turkey breeds in Uganda include the Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze, which are raised primarily for meat production.

Other popular breeds include the Bourbon Red, Royal Palm, and Narragansett, which are also suitable for meat production but may be harder to find.

Local Ugandan turkey breeds are also raised, such as the Ugandan Bush Turkey and the Uganda Local Turkey, which are generally smaller and have lower meat yields than commercial breeds.

The challenge for farmers in Uganda is to access high-quality breeding stock and proper veterinary care to ensure the health and productivity of their flocks.

Best Turkey Breeds in Nigeria

Turkey rearing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria, and there are several breeds that are suitable for the Nigerian climate and conditions.

The most popular turkey breeds in Nigeria include the Broad Breasted White, Broad Breasted Bronze, and the Black Turkey. These breeds are raised primarily for meat production and are known for their fast growth and high meat yield.

Other popular breeds include the Narragansett, Royal Palm, and Bourbon Red, which are also suitable for meat production but may be less common. The challenge for farmers in Nigeria is to access high-quality breeding stock, feed, and veterinary care to ensure the health and productivity of their flocks.

Best Turkey Breeds in UK

Turkey rearing is not as common in the UK as it once was, but there are still several breeds that are suitable for the UK climate and conditions. The most common breed is the Bronze, which is well-suited for outdoor rearing and has a rich, flavorful meat.

Other popular breeds include the White Holland, which is known for its white plumage and is often used for exhibition purposes, and the Norfolk Black, which is a slower-growing heritage breed that produces high-quality meat.

The challenge for turkey farmers in the UK is to access high-quality breeding stock and to compete with imported turkeys, which are often cheaper and more readily available.

Best Turkey Breeds in USA

The United States has a wide variety of turkey breeds suitable for different purposes. Broad Breasted White and Broad Breasted Bronze are the most common breeds raised for commercial meat production due to their fast growth and high meat yield.

Heritage breeds such as Standard Bronze, Narragansett, and Bourbon Red are also popular, particularly for small-scale production and specialty markets due to their unique flavor and appearance.

Other breeds, such as the Royal Palm, Slate, and Black Spanish, are valued for their ornamental qualities and make excellent backyard or exhibition birds. The selection of the best turkey breed in the USA will depend on the specific needs and goals of the farmer or hobbyist.

Best Tips for Choosing the Right Turkey Breeds

When it comes to raising turkeys, choosing the right breed is an important decision. Different breeds have unique characteristics and purposes, so it’s important to choose a breed that fits your needs and preferences. Here are some tips for choosing turkey breeds:

Consider Your Purpose

Before choosing a turkey breed, consider your purpose for raising them. Are you raising them for meat, eggs, ornamental purposes, or as pets? Different breeds have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose a breed that fits your purpose.

Size Matters

Turkeys come in various sizes, from small to large. Consider how much space you have available for your turkeys, and how many birds you want to raise.

If you have limited space, consider smaller breeds like the Royal Palm or Bourbon Red. If you have more space and want larger birds for meat production, consider breeds like the Broad Breasted White or Bronze.

Climate and Environment

Consider the climate and environment where you will be raising your turkeys. Some breeds are more suited to hot or cold climates, while others are more adaptable.

If you live in a hot climate, consider breeds like the Narragansett or Bourbon Red, which are more heat tolerant. If you live in a cold climate, consider breeds like the Bronze or White Holland, which are more cold tolerant.

Temperament

Consider the temperament of the breed you are interested in. Some breeds are calmer and easier to handle, while others can be more aggressive or flighty.

If you plan to handle your birds frequently or have children around, consider breeds like the Royal Palm or Narragansett, which are known for their calm temperament.

Purpose Specific Traits

Different turkey breeds have specific traits that make them suitable for certain purposes. For example, the Broad Breasted White is known for its large size and rapid growth, making it a popular choice for meat production.

The White Holland is known for its broad breast and excellent meat quality. The Narragansett is a good forager and often used for free-range production. Consider the specific traits of the breed you are interested in and how they align with your purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The turkey is actually a large poultry bird which is native to North America. Popularity of turkey farming business is increasing gradually, especially in the American countries. That’s why many people are trying to learn more about this business. Especially, the beginners ask us many questions about starting and operating a successful turkey farming business. They also ask about the different types of turkey breeds. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

What is the most common breed of turkey?

Broad Breasted White is the most common turkey breed in the world. This breed is highly popular throughout the world mainly because it produce more breast meat and meatier thighs. It is easily recognized by it’s white feathers. Most of the commercial turkey farms available raise these birds for meat production.

How many types of turkey do we have?

The APA (American Poultry Association) recognizes 8 turkey types/varieties and all are considered as heritage varieties. These varieties are the Standard Bronze, Beltsville Small White, White Holland, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Slate, Black, and Royal Palm.

What is the best tasting turkey breed?

Midget White is considered as the best tasting turkey breed, followed by the Bourbon Red.

What is the rarest turkey breed?

Light Brown or Auburn is the rarest domestic turkey breed.

What breed of turkey do we eat?

Broad Breasted White. It is the most common and most popular breed of turkey. And this breed is raised in commercial farms.

What is the smallest turkey breed available?

The Midget White is the smallest breed of turkey available today.

What breed of turkey is easiest to raise?

The Broad Breasted White turkey is easiest to raise. It is also call the ‘Giant White Turkey’. It is the most common and most popular breed of turkey throughout the world.

What is the oldest breed of turkey?

White Hollands is the oldest breed of turkey.

What is the most expensive breed of turkey to buy?

Narragansett, Jersey Buff, KellyBronze and Black Spanish are the most expensive breed of turkey to buy.

What is the best breed of turkey to raise for meat?

Broad Breasted White is considered as the best breed of turkey to raise for meat. It is raised in most farms for commercial turkey farming business.

What breed of turkey can breed naturally?

Most of the turkey breeds can breed naturally.

Are chocolate turkeys rare?

The Chocolate turkey with brown feathers, shanks and feet is a very rare breed of turkey.

Which turkey breed lays the most eggs?

Bourbon Red. A female Bourbon Red can lay between 90 and 120 eggs per year.

What is the biggest heritage turkey breed?

Standard Bronze is one of the largest breeds of heritage turkeys.

Is there a breed of white turkey

YES, sure! Broad Breasted White, Beltsville Small White, Midget White and White Holland turkey are white in color.

What breed of turkey is grey?

The Slate, or Blue Slate, is a breed of domestic turkey known for the slate gray color of its plumage.

Is there a breed of black turkey?

The Norfolk Black, also known as the Black Spanish or Black Turkey, is a British breed of domestic turkey which is black in color.

What is turkey farming?

Turkey farming is the practice of raising domestic turkeys for the purpose of meat and eggs production. It is a very profitable business and it’s popularity is increasing gradually.

How do you start a turkey farming business?

Starting a turkey farming business is very easy and simple. For starting a successful turkey farming business, select good breed, make a good shelter, give your birds with nutritious food and always try to take good care of them.