Backyard farmers may want to keep turkeys for several reasons. First, turkeys are great foragers and can help control pests and weeds in the yard. They are also easy to raise and care for, making them an excellent addition to a small farm or homestead.
Turkeys are known for their delicious meat, making them a valuable addition to the table. Turkeys are friendly and social birds, which can provide endless entertainment and joy to their owners. So be it eggs, meat, or companionship, turkeys are a great addition for your yard.
The 7 best turkey breeds for backyard farmers
Overall, keeping turkeys can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for backyard farmers. These are 7 best turkeys to keep on your farm or property.
Narragansett turkey
Narragansett turkeys are a heritage breed of domestic turkey that originated in Rhode Island, USA, in the 1700s. They are named after the Narragansett Bay area, where they were first developed by crossing domestic turkeys imported from Europe with wild turkeys native to North America.
Narragansett turkeys were once a common sight on farms across the United States, but their popularity waned in the early 20th century as commercial turkey breeds became more popular. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in heritage breeds like the Narragansett turkey, both for their flavorful meat and their unique characteristics.
Royal Palm turkey
Royal Palm turkeys, also known as American Royal Palms, are a beautiful breed of turkey that is highly valued for their unique appearance, gentle temperament, and excellent egg-laying abilities. Royal Palm turkeys are named for their distinctive black and white coloring, which resembles the colors of a royal palm tree.
The feathers on their body are mostly white, with black markings on their wings and tail feathers. They have a small head with a red wattle and a blue-gray beak. Royal Palms are considered a medium-sized breed, with males weighing around 16 pounds and females weighing around 10 pounds.
Blue Slate Turkey
Blue Slate Turkeys are a stunning breed of domestic turkey that are highly prized for their unique appearance and docile temperament. With their slate-blue plumage, bright red wattles, and long, curved beaks, these birds are a true feast for the eyes. In this article, we will explore the appearance and temperament of Blue Slate Turkeys, their breed origin, egg-laying capabilities, purpose, breeding, and care requirements.
The Blue Slate Turkey is a large bird that typically weighs between 18 and 30 pounds. Their distinctive coloration comes from a grayish-blue slate color, which gives them a regal and elegant look. They have bright red wattles and a snood, which is a fleshy protuberance that hangs over their beak. These birds also have long, curved beaks, which they use to forage for food.
Broad Breasted White Turkey
Turkeys are an integral part of American culture, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday, and it’s the Broad Breasted White Turkey that makes it all possible. The Broad Breasted White turkey is a popular breed in the United States, known for its large size, meat quality, and docile temperament. In this article, we will explore the history, appearance, temperament, egg-laying capability, purpose, and care of the Broad Breasted White turkey.
While the Broad Breasted White turkey is primarily bred for meat, they can lay eggs, though not as many as other turkey breeds. They typically lay between 40-80 eggs per year, with an average weight of 80-90 grams per egg. The eggs are light brown and have a unique shape that distinguishes them from chicken eggs.
Bourbon Red Turkey
Bourbon Red turkeys are a heritage breed of turkey that are known for their unique appearance, friendly temperament, and flavorful meat. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of Bourbon Red turkeys, their purpose, and how to care for them.
Bourbon Red turkeys are medium-sized birds with striking red and brown plumage. They have a small, curved beak, and their heads and necks are adorned with a brilliant red color. They are also distinguished by their white wing bars and tail feathers.
White Holland
The White Holland Turkey is a popular and, dare I say, majestic breed of domestic turkey. These birds are renowned for their striking all-white appearance and friendly disposition. In this article, we will explore the history, characteristics, and care requirements of the White Holland Turkey.
White Holland Turkeys are not as prolific egg layers as some other turkey breeds. Hens lay an average of 80 to 100 eggs per year, with eggs weighing about 80 grams each. The eggs are creamy white in color and have a longer incubation period of 28 days.