Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Finally, to some degree, the distinction between what appears to be ignorance and
perceptiveness lies in the birds' genetic makeup. One must be careful to understand the
behavioral differences of modern, commercial turkeys and the breeds commonly seen in
days gone by.
Fortunately, heritage turkeys are making a comeback. Perhaps as they begin to dis-
place the breeds grown in factory farms — breeds that typically do nothing more than sit
and eat all day — some of these misconceptions about stupidity will also be displaced.
Modern vs. Heritage Turkeys
Once you've determined you'd like to raise turkeys, you must consider next whether
you want commercial, fast-growing artificially inseminated turkeys or naturally mating,
slower-growing heritage turkeys. Modern, commercial turkeys and heritage turkeys are
different birds. Their head structure is different. Their bone structure is different. Their
body shapes are different. Their needs, habits, and products are all different.
Only you — the backyard poultry person — can decide what's best for you, but be-
fore you decide, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both types.
Modern Factory-Farm Turkeys
The typical modern commercial turkey has a facial bone structure that is coarse and
rough, an extremely broad breast, and short legs, and, for all practical purposes, is in-
capable of breeding on its own. They continue to exist by artificial insemination. Males
can become so large that they just sit, eat, and wait to be milked for semen, which is
then used to fertilize the females, which are also quite hefty. The turkeys never come
in contact as mates. They have been developed only to grow as fast as possible and to
produce great quantities of meat. They eat as much as they possibly can.
It's also important to know that modern commercial turkeys produce a greater
amount of white breast meat than do the naturally mating heritage or turkey types. The
commercial turkey's broader skeletal structure allows for this. It also means that walk-
ing, running, and flying are behaviors of the past. They will not need roosts because they
constantly sit like blobs on the ground near the feed and water sources, consuming all
they can.
If you're accustomed to broad-breasted store-bought turkeys, and can't imagine rais-
ing or eating any other kind of bird, then you may want to stick with those particular
types. You should be aware of a few things in order to be successful, however. Remem-
ber that these turkeys are bred to be raised in confined spaces in large operations. Over
the past 50 years, humans have altered them genetically to create a bird that is per-
fectly adapted to a disease-free, climate-controlled environment, inside a building. They
prosper when not allowed contact with outside organisms.
