Turkeys breed profile
Bourbon Red
- Heritage
- U.S. (Kentucky)
- large
- Temperament: calm
- Heritage
- Conservancy: Watch
Bourbon Red is the heritage Thanksgiving turkey — naturally reproduces, forages on pasture, and commands premium pricing. Slower growth means a longer feed cycle but the direct-marketing economics work at premium prices.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
14–18 lbs
Male weight
23–33 lbs
Reproductive traits
Gestation
28 days
Seasonality
seasonal
Maternal
good
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
good
Heat tolerance
good
Cold hardiness
good
Humidity tolerance
good
Common health concerns
- Slower growth than commercial — premium pricing required
Management requirements
Experience
some experience
Housing
basic shelter
Fencing
standard
Feed system
pasture, grain supplement
Market access
Commercial market
fair
Direct-market appeal
excellent
Premium potential
Yes
Heritage Thanksgiving turkeys command 2–4× the price per pound of commercial birds. Bourbon Red is the most-recognized heritage variety.
Regional fits
Bourbon Red performance by ag region.
Mid-Atlantic North
excellentHeritage Thanksgiving turkeys command 2–4× commercial pricing per pound; Bourbon Red is the most-recognized variety. Strong fit for Mid-Atlantic urban Thanksgiving markets.
Strengths: Premium pricing offsets the slower growth and longer feed cycle vs. Broad Breasted White.
Weaknesses: Slow growth requires longer feed cycle (24+ weeks); pre-sale customer commitment is essential to manage cash flow.
Upper Southeast
excellentStrong heritage-Thanksgiving demand from Nashville / Lexington / Knoxville food scenes; Bourbon Red was developed in Kentucky.
Strengths: Regional heritage-breed history supports the direct-marketing story.
Weaknesses: Slow growth; processor relationships become tighter near Thanksgiving — secure scheduling early.