The Bourbon Red Turkey

     Bourbon Reds were bred in Kentucky and accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1909. The appearance of the Broad Breasted White turkey caused a decline in the popularity of Bourbon Reds.

     Even though Broad Breasted Whites can offer a higher meat yield, Bourbon Reds are loved for their heritage qualities and are a top pick for many homesteaders.

     Bourbon Red Turkeys are a very dark, rich, chestnut color edged in black on many of the feathers. Their wing tips and the back one half of the tail are white giving it a very striking appearance — many say this Heritage breed turkey is one of the most beautiful turkey varieties. Bourbon Red turkeys will not grow as large, or as fast, as the Standard Bronze Turkeys or White Holland Turkeys. Bourbon Red turkeys are a wonderful addition to any homestead or farm. 

The babies are reddish, looking like a washed out redhead or a dirty brown color.