Bronze turkey

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Male north american turkey supersaturated

Bronze turkey

The Bronze turkey is a breed of domestic turkey that was developed in the United States. It is named for its distinctive bronze-like sheen on its feathers. The breed is known for its large size and is often raised for meat production.

History

The Bronze turkey is believed to have originated from a cross between the domestic turkeys brought to the Americas by European settlers and the wild turkeys native to the region. The breed was officially recognized in the late 19th century and became one of the most popular turkey breeds in the United States.

Characteristics

Bronze turkeys are known for their striking appearance, with iridescent bronze feathers that give them a metallic sheen. They have a broad breast, a long neck, and a fan-shaped tail. The males, known as toms, are generally larger than the females, known as hens. Toms can weigh up to 36 pounds, while hens typically weigh around 20 pounds.

Uses

The primary use of Bronze turkeys is for meat production. They are valued for their large size and the quality of their meat. The breed is also sometimes kept for ornamental purposes due to its attractive plumage.

Conservation Status

The popularity of the Bronze turkey declined in the mid-20th century with the rise of the Broad Breasted White turkey, which grows faster and has a higher meat yield. As a result, the Bronze turkey is now considered a heritage breed and is listed as "Watch" by the Livestock Conservancy, indicating that it is at risk of becoming endangered.

Related Breeds

• Broad Breasted White turkey
• Narragansett turkey
• Bourbon Red turkey

See Also

• Turkey (bird)
• Heritage turkey
• Livestock Conservancy