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Heritage Breed Spotlight: Fawn & White Runner Duck

A group of Fawn and White Runner Ducks

The Runner duck is an ancient breed known in the East Indies for at least 2,000 years. Its excellence lies in being a terrific layer that’s agile enough to easily herd over long distances. Runner ducks were traditionally kept in pens overnight. After the hens laid their eggs in the morning, the ducks were herded […]

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Heritage Breed Spotlight: Khaki Campbell Duck

Three Khaki Campbell ducks sit on a backyard pool

The Khaki Campbell duck came about when Adele Campbell of Gloucestershire, England, wanted a dual-purpose duck that laid well, but with a good-size body for roasting. The resulting duck breed first appeared in the late 1800s. The ducks’ buff-color plumage reminded Ms. Campbell of army uniforms, hence the name Khaki Campbell. Introduced to the United […]

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Turkey Mating Ratio for Good Fertility

Three bronze turkeys stand in a backyard.

What is the best turkey mating ratio for good fertility? That’s a question many first-time turkey keepers ask. Often as not, they get many different answers. Here’s why: Turkey Type The first thing to consider is the type of turkeys in question. If they are a broad-breasted type, forget it. These industrial size turkeys are […]

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How to Choose the Best Turkey Breed

Choosing the Best Turkey Breed

Many turkey breeds are available to choose from. Although turkeys are typically considered to be primarily meat birds, some of the heritage varieties have become popular in the showroom. In selecting the best breed for your particular situation, consider three basic criteria. Size Matters A dressed turkey must conveniently fit into your refrigerator while it […]

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Why Do We Call the Turkey a Turkey?

Why Do We Call the Turkey a Turkey?

Wild turkeys, indigenous to the Americas, were kept by Native Americans for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Early Spanish explorers are credited with transporting American turkeys to Europe. There the birds were selectively bred for a couple of centuries before being brought back to America by early settlers. From those birds sprang the domestic […]

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Turkey Breeds List Comparison Chart

Use this chart to compare turkeys to determine which breed you want to buy. Turkey Breeds Egg Production Purpose Temperament Mating Ratio Roost Height Country of Origin APA ALCB Black Slate Turkey Poor Egg Laying, Meat and Exhibition Active 7 Females to 1 Male 2+ Feet North America Yes Watch Status Black Spanish Turkey Poor […]

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In Celebration of Heritage Poultry Breeds

In Celebration of Heritage Poultry Breeds

International Heritage Breeds Week is celebrated each year during the third week in May. So what exactly are heritage poultry breeds? According to The Livestock Conservancy, heritage chicken and turkey breeds share the following characteristics:     They can reproduce through natural mating. They have the genetic ability to live long and vigorous lives. They […]

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