That Turkey is not for Eating!

Jordan and I were inspecting a large property in Mapleton. It was a large property, so the homeowner drove us around in a golf cart to inspect all the barns and stables. When we exited one of the many barns, we came across the most beautiful turkey I have ever seen.

Jordan asked if the turkey would be gracing the homeowner’s Thanksgiving dinner table. The homeowner said, “That's a Heritage turkey that we’ve had since it was a chick--we could never eat it!” I guess it doesn’t hurt to be a spoiled turkey this time of year.

After looking at Wikipedia, I have learned that a heritage turkey is a domestic turkey which retains historic characteristics that are no longer present in the majority of turkeys raised for consumption. Heritage turkeys are capable of being raised more closely to natural behavior than most domestic turkeys. Heritage turkeys have a relatively long lifespan, and grow slower than turkeys bred for industrial agriculture. Unlike industrially bred turkeys, heritage turkeys can reproduce without artificial insemination. Not only is this bird not going to be eaten, but it can reproduce naturally. If you are keeping track, that means there will be no need for a turkey baster in this bird’s life.

Ten different turkey breeds are classified as heritage turkeys, including the Auburn, Buff, Black, Bourbon Red, Narragansett, Royal Palm, Slate, Standard Bronze, and Midget White. Some prominent chefs, farmers, and food critics have also contended that heritage turkey meat tastes better and is more healthy.

The beautiful turkey we encountered is a Royal Palm turkey. Again turning to my good friend, Wikipedia, I found that the Royal Palm is one of the few turkeys not primarily selected for meat production. The Royal Palm is best known as an ornamental bird and is primarily kept as an exhibition bird, or on small farms. Toms usually weigh 16 to 22 lbs, and hens usually weigh 10 to 12 lbs. It is a relative newcomer among turkey breeds; the bird first appeared in the 1920s on a farm in Lake Worth, Florida. The Royal Palm is a cross between Black, Bronze, Narragansett, and native turkeys.

The turkey we met was friendly, and even let Jordan pick it up. After such a positive first impression, I am considering getting a turkey as my next pet.

- Jeff Jorgensen