HERITAGE BRONZE TURKEYS

The Bronze has been the most popular turkey variety for most of American history. It originated from crosses between the domestic turkeys brought by European colonists to the Americas and the eastern wild turkeys they found upon their arrival. The hybrid vigor of this cross resulted in turkey stocks that were larger and more vigorous than the European birds, and they were also much tamer than wild turkeys. The coppery-bronze colored metallic sheen, which gives the variety its name, was part of the inheritance from its wild ancestors.

Bronze-type turkeys were known by the late 1700s, but the name 'Bronze' did not formally appear until the 1830s. Throughout the 1800s, breeders standardized the Bronze, and occasional crosses were made back to the wild turkey. The Bronze variety was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874.

Naturally mating, long-lived, slow growing strains of Bronze turkeys, known as the Standard Bronze, have been left even further behind by the turkey industry. A few tenacious breeders maintained small flocks, participating in poultry shows, and raising a few for family and friends. The Bronze was not used for commercial production for decades until the early 21st century, when renewed interest in the biological fitness, survivability, and superior flavor captured consumer interest and created a growing market niche.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

 Hatchlings Since 2014: 848

CHARACTERISTICS

AKA: Bronze Type: Heritage Turkey Lay Rate: Seasonal Egg Size: Extra Large Egg Color: Speckled
Origin: North America Nature: Very friendly Hardy: Yes Comb: -- Source: Various
Broody: YesRarity: CommonFree Range: Yes
Notes: Naturally mating, long-lived, slow growing strain of heritage turkeys.

ROBERTS FARM

Each year I add one new species of birds to my collection. In 2012, I chose Heritage Bronze turkeys primarily because they’re such a majestic bird… A mature Tom turkey fully puffed up and strutting seems majestic, at least to me. I chose Heritage Bronze because they are naturally reproducing and look like what most people imagine a turkey to look like. Much to my surprise, turkeys are the friendliest birds in my collection. Turkeys like to visit whether it me sitting out with my morning coffee or a stranger walking down the road. Turkeys quickly became my favorite bird on the farm.
 

HATCHING EGGS

Fertile Standard Bronze Turkey hatching eggs are usually available during non-peak hatching months, June through July, and are sold in lots of one-half dozen. They may also be available, from time-to-time, during April-May but will incur an additional premium. At this time, we do not ship eggs. For information on hatching eggs click here to see our Incubation Guide.

The eggs we sell are the same eggs we hatch and are collected and stored in the same manner as the eggs we hatch. However, because of the complex factors involved in artificial incubation, we make no guarantee of fertility or hatchability. For the 2014 hatch season, 90.3% of all turkey eggs set hatched successfully.
 

LINKS & DOCUMENTS
          HERITAGE TURKEY MANUAL: American Livestock Conservancy
          Risk of Human Salmonella Infection: CDC
          STANDARD BRONZE: American Livestock Conservancy
          Turkey Care Sheet: Roberts Farm



Calvin & Cindy Roberts
488 County Road 335
San Augustine, Texas 75972
(936) 652-1940 (Text Only)• mail@calvinroberts.us
DISCLAIMER: Prices, products, and services described on this website may or may not accurately reflect current prices, products, and services and are subject to change without prior notice. For more current information, please contact us by telephone or email. Live animals carry risk of salmonella and other diseases and should be handled accordingly