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The Bourbon Red turkey was developed by J.F. Barbee. He began his work in Pennsylvania in the late 1800s, using Buff, Standard Bronze, and White Holland birds. He finished the process in the bluegrass region of Bourbon county Kentucky. Mr. Barbee originally called these turkeys Bourbon Butternuts. Their popularity did not increase until he renamed them Bourbon Red. They became the most popular variety of heritage turkeys, making up 33% of the heritage turkeys being bred and raised in the United States. The Bourbon Red turkey was first included in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1909. This turkey breed was extremely important for commercial production in the 1930s and 1940s, equally compared to the Broad Breasted Bronze. Eventually, this was overtaken by the Broad Breasted White Turkey. The Bourbon Red turkey is currently on the Livestock Conservancy watch list.
This breed is an American Classic that has a deep, rich red color over most of its body. They have a bright white tail that has a soft, red bar across them and their flight feathers are white too. Their wattles are red and the beard is black. The legs and toes are pink. The Bourbon Red turkey has a heavy breast and richly flavored meat. This breed also can mate naturally.
This heritage turkey is excellent in egg production, producing 90-120 eggs per year. They also make a great table bird weighing 22 pounds in just 28 weeks. With their great foraging ability and sustainability, the Bourbon Red turkey makes a great choice for any backyard. This is not just a dual purpose heritage turkey breed but also has a friendly temperament.
Live Poult Guarantee
We guarantee your ordered number of birds arrive healthy and true to breed. Please contact us immediately should any losses or variances to your order occur, this guarantee is only for the safe and live delivery of your poultry. Any loss must be reported to Chickens for Backyards within 3 days of receipt for any adjustment to be made. Reshipments are subject to availability and minimum shipping requirements. If eligible, we will reship only once. Reimbursements are limited to the cost of the birds and will not include shipping charges.
Audrey Pesnell (verified owner) –
I am highly impressed with my order. This was my first shipment of birds ever! I was so nervous, but everything went smoothly. My turkeys even came 1 day earlier than tracking expected. They arrived 2 days after hatching. I ordered 3 turkeys and got 4 live and spunky birds. There was a large warmer inside a nest with the green gelatin grow-gel. I am amazed by the shipping quality. I will definitely be ordering from CFB again!
alicia farner (verified owner) –
I ordered one of these turkeys and they sent me 2 they came happy and healthy very friendly birds. The packaging was great and came a day early. I was able to pick him up from the post office before they opened.
Kenneth Hahn (verified owner) –
I am extremely happy with this breed. My first order ended up being 4 toms and 2 hens. Two of the toms were harvested that fall at 13 and 15 lbs. This year, one of the remaining tom was over 25 lbs a week before Thanksgiving. My hens did not lay the first year, but this year (2nd year), I got two clutches of over 75. By far, the best tasting turkeys I’ve ever eaten!