Bourbon Red Turkey Breed: Personality, Lifespan, Food & Care

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General Introduction of the Breed

The Bourbon Red Turkey is a heritage turkey breed, originally developed in the United States. It was named after Bourbon County in Kentucky, where it was selectively bred for its rich, reddish-brown plumage and flavorful meat. The breed was developed in the late 19th century by crossing Buff, Standard Bronze, and White Holland turkeys. It was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1909.

Common Name	Bourbon Red Turkey
Scientific Name	Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Origin	Bourbon County, Kentucky, United States
Size	Medium-to-large
Lifespan	5-9 years
Talking Ability	Not applicable (turkeys do not “talk” in the human sense)
Colors	Deep chestnut-red plumage with white flight and tail feathers
Noise Level	Not explicitly mentioned, but typical turkey sounds (gobbling, clucking) would be expected.
Social Behavior	Generally calm, can be territorial, enjoy foraging, form bonds with owners.

Physical Characteristics

The Bourbon Red Turkey is a medium-to-large-sized bird. Adult males (toms) typically weigh between 23-33 pounds (10-15 kg), while females (hens) weigh around 12-18 pounds (5-8 kg).

They are known for their deep chestnut-red plumage, which contrasts elegantly with white flight and tail feathers. Their eyes are a dark brown shade, and they have a long, broad tail that fans out gracefully. The head is mostly featherless, revealing a bluish-white skin tone with red wattles that intensify in color when the turkey is excited or displaying dominance.

Personality and Temperament

Bourbon Red Turkeys are intelligent and inquisitive birds. They are generally calm but can be territorial or aggressive, especially during mating season. They enjoy foraging and require ample space to roam. While they develop strong bonds with their owners, they are not as social as some other poultry breeds. They can coexist well with other turkeys and poultry species but may act competitively in confined spaces. They are sensitive to sudden changes in routine or their environment.

Care and Maintenance Requirements

These turkeys require a free-range setting or a spacious, secure enclosure with plenty of room to roam. They thrive best in a farm or homestead setting with access to pasture for foraging. Their grooming needs are minimal, as they naturally maintain their feathers through preening and dust bathing. Bourbon Reds are sensitive to extreme cold and should have a sheltered, insulated coop during winter. Heat stress can also be a concern in hot climates, so adequate shade and water must always be provided. Regular hygiene practices, such as cleaning the coop, ensuring fresh bedding, and inspecting for parasites, will help maintain their health.

Diet and Nutrition

Bourbon Red Turkeys thrive on a high-protein diet, especially as poults (chicks), when they require a starter feed with at least 24% protein. As they mature, their feed can shift to a balanced turkey grower feed that contains around 16-20% protein. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can be added as supplemental treats. Dangerous foods to avoid include processed or moldy food, avocado, raw beans, chocolate, and excessively salty substances. A healthy feeding schedule involves providing fresh feed twice daily, along with constant access to clean water.

Health and Common Medical Issues

As a heritage breed, Bourbon Red Turkeys are generally hardy and less prone to genetic diseases. However, they may be susceptible to common poultry illnesses such as respiratory infections, mites, blackhead disease (Histomoniasis), and bumblefoot. Their lifespan can range between 5-9 years under proper care. Routine vaccinations, deworming, and prompt veterinary checkups help prevent health issues. Maintaining cleanliness in their living space is vital for disease prevention.

Training and Behavior Management

Training Bourbon Red Turkeys involves teaching them to recognize food sources, follow their owner, and return to their roosting area at night. They respond well to consistent routines and positive reinforcement, such as feeding rewards. Early socialization helps them become less skittish around humans. Keeping multiple turkeys together can encourage natural flock behaviors. Since they can become territorial, gentle behavior management is necessary to maintain a calm demeanor in males.

Interaction with Other Animals and Humans

These turkeys can coexist peacefully with backyard chickens and ducks if given enough space. They are moderately affectionate toward humans and can learn to recognize their owners. Small children should be supervised around them, as large toms can be unintentionally intimidating. They may not be as independent as some wild turkey breeds but still prefer some autonomy rather than constant human interaction. With proper socialization, they adapt well to farm life alongside other poultry.

Price and Availability

A Bourbon Red Turkey poult (young turkey) typically costs between $10-$20, while mature birds can range from $40 to $100+, depending on age and breeding stock quality. When buying, it’s essential to source from reputable breeders or heritage poultry farms that focus on maintaining genetic health. Adoption is less common but may be possible through local farm animal rescues or sustainable farming organizations.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Bourbon Red Turkey is an excellent choice for small farms and homesteads looking for a dual-purpose bird that offers both high-quality meat and a beautiful, striking appearance. They are best suited for owners with ample land, experience in poultry care, and a commitment to providing a spacious, natural environment. Prospective owners should be prepared for their space and dietary requirements, as well as their strong personalities. With proper care and handling, Bourbon Reds can be a rewarding addition to a sustainable farm.