| How long should I expect them to take to reach table size? |
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Heritage breeds should be allowed 6 months or more. They can be on free-range with free access to supplemental grains up to the last few weeks. In the last 3 weeks, they benefit from being kept in a quieter, smaller area and fed a selected high grain diet, for a plumper, more tender table bird. BSW turkeys, like all heritage turkeys, grow at a natural rate, adapted to the seasons, which is part of the reason heritage turkeys develop their wonderful flavour. However, as a heritage breed with a successful commercial career behind them, they are bred to develop their frame, muscle and fat quickly enough to be processed anytime after 6 months of age, and to reproduce successfully the following spring. Processed after 6 months of age, well- managed birds should dress 7-15 lbs, a perfect size for family use. |
