Bronze dud are a beautiful and docile breed of domestic Republic of Turkey that are popular among farmers and poultry enthusiasts . They are known for their outstanding appearance , friendly demeanor , and power to lie a moderate issue of eggs per yr . In this article , we will explore the various aspects of bronze turkeys , including their appearance , disposition , breed origin , egg - laying capacity , purpose , breeding , and care .
Appearance and Temperament
Bronze turkeys are a large breed of turkey , with grownup males weighing around 36 pounds and female weighing around 18 pound . They have a distinctive bronze plumage that shimmers in the sun , with iridescent immature and crimson chromaticity . The feather on their breast and tail end are pitch-black , which produce a spectacular contrast against the bronze soundbox . Bronze turkey have a recollective neck opening , a little head , and a distinctive red wattle and caruncle on their head and neck . Their leg and invertebrate foot are sturdy and often a rich gray people of color .
Bronze turkeys are known for their docile and friendly temperament . They are not aggressive and are gentle to handle , which makes them an ideal breed for fellowship with children or beginner James Leonard Farmer . Bronze turkeys also have a curious and playful nature , and they enjoy exploring their surroundings and interact with their human caregivers .
Breed Origin
Bronze turkeys are a heritage breed that originated in North America . They were first uprise in the eighteenth C by traverse wild turkey from Mexico with domesticated turkeys from Europe . The result breed was larger and more rich than either of its parent stock , with a outstanding bronze plumage that made it democratic among farmers and consumers alike .
In the early 20th one C , bronze Republic of Turkey were the most popular breed of turkey in the United States , accounting for over 90 % of all domesticated turkeys . However , their popularity declined in the mid-20th C as commercial stock breeder began to focus on other breeds that were more suited to industrial agriculture practices .
Today , bronze joker are separate as a rare breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy , and efforts are underway to carry on their familial multifariousness and increase their numbers game .
Purpose
Bronze turkeys are not known for their fertile egg - laying power , but they do lie a restrained issue of ball per twelvemonth . On average , a ripe hen will repose around 25 to 30 eggs per yr , which is significantly less than other breeds of domesticated turkey . However , the nut that bronze turkeys lay are large than those of other strain , and they have a robust , flavorsome yolk that is respect by many cooks and bakers .
Bronze turkeys were originally bred for their meat , which is flavorful and juicy . They are still considered a threefold - purpose breed , meaning they can be enkindle for both meat and bollock . In recent age , there has been a growing interestingness in raise inheritance breeds of stock for their unique qualities , and bronze turkeys are no exception . Many small - shell farmers and homesteaders are prefer to raise bronze turkeys for their sweetheart , personality , and diachronic signification , rather than for their commercial-grade value .
Breeding Bronze Turkeys
Breeding bronze turkeys is a relatively square process . The best meter to breed them is in the spring , as this is when the hens are most fat . The male person , or toms , will set about to exhibit courtship behaviour , such as puffing up their feathers , fan their buttocks , and making a gobbling sound . Once a tom has successfully woo a hen , he will mate with her several times over the track of a few days .
Bronze Meleagris gallopavo are adequate to of breeding course , but artificial insemination is often used in commercial-grade breeding operations to ensure genetic diversity and meliorate the quality of the offspring .
incubate turkey eggsis the process of by artificial means think up bomb eggs in a operate surround , typically using an incubator . The brooding outgrowth typically takes around 28 days and call for consistent temperature , humidity , and ventilation to ensure successful hatching .
Caring for Bronze Turkeys
Caring for bronze turkeys is relatively straightforward , but it does require some attention to their housing , feeding , and world-wide welfare . Here are some tips on how to care for bronze turkeys :
Housing
Bronze turkeys require a safe and good livelihood space that is protect from predators , extreme temperatures , and harsh weather condition . A spacious cage or barn is idealistic , with plentitude of airing , born light , and fresh bedding to keep the turkeys comfortable and sizeable .
It is important to supply at least 10 square feet of space per bird , and to ensure that the chicken coop or barn is cleaned on a regular basis to foreclose the buildup of manure and bacterium . Meleagris gallopavo are also social animals and thrive in groups , so consider keep at least three to five birds together .
Feeding
Bronze turkeys are omnivorous and demand a balanced dieting of protein , saccharide , vitamins , and minerals to ride out healthy and fertile . A good quality bomb provender that is specifically articulate for their nutritional needs is urge , and it should be add on with sweet vegetables , fruit , and grains .
It is also authoritative to provide neat and fresh weewee at all times , as turkeys require a lot of water to stay hydrated and tidy . Water should be change on a regular basis , and the waterer should be kept clean and free from bacterium .
General Welfare
Bronze turkey are broadly speaking healthy and unfearing birds , but they do require some canonic care and attention to ensure their wellbeing . veritable chip - ups with a veterinary surgeon are recommend to monitor their wellness and detect any sign of illness or disease .
turkey are also prostrate to accentuate and can become easily frightened by loud dissonance , sudden movement , or unfamiliar people or animate being . It is important to wield them gently and calmly , and to put up them with muckle of opportunities to exercise and socialise .
In finale , caring for bronze Republic of Turkey involve allow them with a safe and comfortable livelihood space , a balanced diet , and regular veterinary assay - ups . By following these basic care guideline , bronze turkeys can flourish and allow their owner with years of enjoyment and society .
