Heritage turkey

Heritage Turkey

Heritage Turkey

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Conservation status	Threatened

The Heritage Turkey is a breed of domestic turkey that is native to the United States. It is known for its historical significance and unique characteristics. This article will provide an overview of the Heritage Turkey, including its origin, physical attributes, and current status.

Origin

The Heritage Turkey is believed to have descended from the wild turkeys that were domesticated by Native Americans thousands of years ago. These turkeys were an important source of food for the indigenous people and played a significant role in their culture. When European settlers arrived in North America, they encountered these domesticated turkeys and began selectively breeding them for various traits.

Physical Attributes

The Heritage Turkey is a large bird, with males weighing between 25-30 pounds and females weighing between 14-20 pounds. It has a distinctive appearance, with a plump body, broad breast, and long legs. The plumage of the Heritage Turkey can vary, but it typically has a mix of black, bronze, and white feathers. The skin color of the Heritage Turkey is white, and it has brown-colored eggs.

Current Status

The Heritage Turkey is considered a threatened breed by the Livestock Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving rare and endangered livestock breeds. The breed's population has significantly declined over the years due to the rise of commercial turkey production and the introduction of genetically modified breeds. Efforts are being made to conserve and promote the Heritage Turkey, as it represents an important part of American agricultural history.

See Also

• Turkey (bird)
• Domestication of the turkey