Save The Turkey!

  Think of the one thing we most take for granted at the holidays, then think of being without it. Did you guess? It's the Thanksgiving (or Christmas) turkey. You see, the turkey is one of the most endangered of our domestic farm animals. Almost every breed, except the commercial Broad Breasted Whites are in critical danger.  Today's turkey that we purchase from our local grocer have been  inbred and changed to produce the large breast and big body. They aren't the same bird that our ancestors had on the farm. The modern commercial breeds are so artificially enormous, that they are unable to even breed naturally, and many time grow to large to even walk properly. All to meet what everyone thinks the market needs, while tossing aside all the rest to an uncertain future.

   Now, there is a movement to save one of the most popular, and beautiful birds that ever graced a barnyard. The old and rare breeds of turkeys. I raise the Wishard strain of Bronze Breasted,  the BB being very rare now days. Neither the tom nor the hen are as big as the commercial types that most all rely on today, but they are a hearty bird, and in my opinion, quite big enough. On a few 35 degree nights, both were purched on top of the goat shed for the night. Today's modern breed Broad Breasted would be unable to handle such cold. My bronzes are never medicated and can forage. Today's modern would never survive on their own. Plus, seeing the tom strut around the place reminds one of the old holiday pictures you see of barnyards and farms of the early days, each having thier "big ole tom" showing off to all, including the other animals. And dumb? Well, maybe the modern breeds are, but my two come when they are called....by name!

    There are many breeds of these birds. Royal Palm, Buffs, Bronze, and that is not even the tip of the list. And all are in danger of extinction, (except of course for the commercial whites) unless more breeders become involved. If you are interested in learning more about these birds, or how you can get involved, any of the rare breed links on this site are a great place to start. You can also e-mail me or take a peek at the Rare Heritage Turkey Group at e-groups. Always lots of discussions going on.

    The bottom line, is that this barnyard standard, is now in danger of becoming no more unless the ones who are responsible for their slow demise, now steps in

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