The Bourbon Red is a popular heritage turkey breed developed in Pennsylvania and Kentucky in the late 1800's. Bourbon Reds are great foragers and do well on pasture. They have remained a favorite Thanksgiving bird due to their heavy breast and exceptional meat flavor and quality. Light colored pin feathers mean these turkeys dress out cleanly like your traditional white varieties. Commonly kept for meat production, the Bourbon Red Turkey also makes a great companion and a curious backyard pet.
Heritage breed turkeys do have a longer grow out period than your Broad Breasted varieties and are typically processed at 24 to 28 weeks. Bourbon Red meat is tender and lean, but not gamey.
Average market weight: Toms 23 lbs, Hens 14 lbs. Old Toms 33 lbs, Old Hens 18 lbs.