There are many turkey breeds available throughout the world, but not nearly as many turkey breeds as there are chicken or duck breeds. Although, there are still enough varieties to choose from.
Some of these breeds are good for commercial meat production purpose. Some are good for enhancing beauty of your home and some are good for raising as pets. Beltsville small white turkeys are similar in size as Midget whites. They are prolific layers & mature hens that are good setters and can hatch eggs well. Black turkey breed have black plumage. Narragansett breed are originally from Rhode island. Mature hens weigh about 18 pounds and toms around 30 pounds.
Blue slate turkey, Royal palm Turkey and Bourbon reds
Blue Slate turkey breed may be any number of shades between white and pure black. Adult blue slate hen can weigh about 14 pounds and mature toms can weigh about 23 pounds. Royal palm is a very beautiful striking turkey breed with a black and white plumage. They are raised for exhibition.
Bourbon reds are very attractive birds for their red plumage and are known for their full flavour and delicious meat. A mature hen weighs about 12 pounds and a mature tom weighs about 23 pounds.
Broad breasted whites, Midget white and standard bronze
Broad breasted whites are modern turkey breeds which are raised commercially in farms. They have maximum conversion ratio of feed to meat. Midget white turkey are a cross of Broad breasted whites & Royal palm. A mature midget hen weigh about 8-12 pounds and mature tom about 16-20 pounds.
Standard bronze is one of the largest heritage turkey breed. They were originally a cross between the native wild turkeys. An adult hen weigh about 16 pounds and toms can reach about 25 pounds.
White Holland and Heritage turkey breeds
White Holland turkey breed are calm in nature and good setters and mothers. They sometimes break their eggs. A mature hen can weigh up to 20 pounds and mature tom weigh up to 30 pounds.
Heritage breeds are turkey that have bred overtime to be the best adapted to the local conditions. These heritage breeds can resist disease and are able to survive in harsh environments.
