Raising Bourbon Red Turkeys

Raising Bourbon Red Turkeys

Raising Bourbon Red Turkeys

Raising Bourbon Red turkeys—a heritage breed known for their rich mahogany-red plumage, hardiness, and flavorful meat—requires attention to their specific needs in housing, diet, space, and health.

🦃 Overview: What Are Bourbon Red Turkeys?

• Heritage breed, recognized by the American Poultry Association since 1909

• Weight: Toms (males) = 33 lbs, Hens (females) = 18 lbs (standard)

• Temperament: Generally calm, friendly, and adaptable

• Lifespan: 5–10 years (longer than commercial breeds)

• Egg production: 50–70 eggs per year (light brown/tan, medium-large)

• Broodiness: Hens often go broody and make good mothers

🏚️ 1. Housing & Shelter

Bourbon Reds need secure, well-ventilated shelter that protects them from predators and weather.

• Coop space:

  • Indoors: At least 6–10 sq ft per bird

  • Roosting bars: 2–4 ft off the ground (they prefer to roost high)

• Outdoor run:

  • Minimum 25 sq ft per bird—more is better

  • Fencing: Bury hardware cloth 12+ inches to deter digging predators (foxes, raccoons)

  • Cover the top if aerial predators (hawks) are a concern

• Bedding: Use straw, pine shavings, or sand—keep dry and clean

💡 Tip: Unlike broad-breasted commercial turkeys, Bourbon Reds can fly short distances, so consider netting or clipping one wing if they’re escaping.

🌾 2. Feeding & Nutrition

Proper diet supports growth, feathering, and reproduction.

• Poults (0–8 weeks):

  • 28% protein turkey starter feed (not chick starter—it lacks needed nutrients)

  • Provide constant access to clean water (use shallow drinkers to prevent drowning)

• Growers (8–20 weeks):

  • Switch to 20–22% protein grower feed

• Adults:

  • 16–18% layer or maintenance feed

  • Supplement with grit and oyster shell (for laying hens)

• Free-ranging:

  • They’ll forage for insects, grasses, seeds, and berries—great for health and flavor!

  • Avoid toxic plants (e.g., nightshade, foxglove) in pasture

⚠️ Never feed medicated chick feed to turkeys—it can be toxic.

🌞 3. Space & Outdoor Access

Bourbon Reds thrive with room to roam.

• Free-range preferred: They’re active foragers and need space to exercise.

• Pasture rotation: Helps prevent parasite buildup and overgrazing.

• Shade & dust baths: Provide shaded areas and dry, sandy spots for dust bathing (natural parasite control).

🐔 4. Health & Disease Prevention

Heritage breeds like Bourbon Reds are generally hardy but still need care.

• Common issues:

  • Blackhead disease (histomoniasis)—avoid mixing with chickens if prevalent in your area

  • Respiratory infections

  • Internal/external parasites (worms, mites)

• Prevention:

  • Keep coops clean and dry

  • Quarantine new birds

  • Provide clean water daily

  • Consider probiotics or apple cider vinegar in water (optional)

• Vaccinations: Not always needed, but consult a vet based on local disease risks.

🥚 5. Breeding & Broodiness

Bourbon Reds retain natural breeding instincts—unlike commercial hybrids.

• Breeding ratio: 1 tom to 4–6 hens

• Egg collection: Collect daily if not planning to hatch

• Incubation:

  • Natural: Hens will sit 28 days

  • Artificial: Incubate at 99.5°F, 50–55% humidity (increase to 65–70% at hatch)

• Poult care: Keep warm (95°F first week, reduce 5°F weekly), draft-free, and safe from adult birds

🛡️ 6. Predator Protection

Turkeys are vulnerable—especially at night and when young.

• Lock them in a secure coop at dusk

• Use motion-activated lights or guardian animals (e.g., livestock guardian dogs)

• Avoid ground-level nesting in open areas during breeding season

✅ Why Raise Bourbon Reds?

• Sustainable, self-reproducing flock

• Excellent foragers = lower feed costs

• Rich, dark meat prized by chefs and homesteaders

• Conservation: Helps preserve genetic diversity of heritage poultry

📌 Final Tips

• Start with quality stock from reputable heritage breeders (e.g., through the Livestock Conservancy or American Poultry Association)

• Check local zoning laws—some areas restrict turkey ownership

• Social birds: Keep in groups of at least 3–4; they’re unhappy alone

Raising Bourbon Red turkeys is a rewarding experience that connects you to agricultural heritage while providing delicious meat and eggs. With proper care, they’ll thrive and even help maintain your pasture ecosystem!

Related Keywords: Bourbon Red turkey care, raising heritage turkeys, Bourbon Red turkey feeding, Bourbon Red poult care, heritage turkey breeding, Bourbon Red turkey housing, how to raise Bourbon Red turkeys, Bourbon Red turkey coop setup, Bourbon Red turkey diet, raising Bourbon Reds for meat, Bourbon Red turkey health care, heritage turkey foraging, Bourbon Red turkey egg production, Bourbon Red turkey temperament, pasture-raised Bourbon Red turkeys, Bourbon Red turkey predators, heritage turkey conservation, Bourbon Red turkey brooding, natural turkey rearing, Bourbon Red turkey flock management