Sweetgrass Turkey made it to our list of Turkeys you can raise in your backyard for their meat. Sweetgrass Turkey may sound new to you, but we will look at exactly what a Sweetgrass is and its characteristics to help you know much about this Turkey breed.
What is a Sweetgrass Turkey?
Sweetgrass turkeys are a rare and beautiful heritage breed of turkey that is a cross between a Royal Palm turkey and a Bronze turkey, and they have a distinctive tri-color plumage of black, white, and chestnut. Sweetgrass turkeys are known for their calm temperaments, ability to breed naturally, and delicious meat.
Sweetgrass Turkey Characteristics
Appearance
Sweetgrass turkeys are medium-sized. They have a long, slender neck and a broad, deep chest. Their plumage is their most distinctive feature. They have a black body with white feathers on their breast, belly, and legs. They also have chestnut-colored feathers on their shoulders, wings, and tail.
Temperament
Sweetgrass turkeys are known for their calm and docile temperaments. They are easy to care for and handle and make great pets for families with children. They are also good foragers and can be raised on various foods, including grasses, grains, and insects.
Breeding
Sweetgrass turkeys can breed naturally, which is a desirable trait for heritage breeds. This means they do not need to be artificially inseminated, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Sweetgrass turkeys typically lay around 100 eggs annually, and their eggs hatch in about 28 days.
Meat
The meat of Sweetgrass turkeys is flavorful, with a firm texture. It is a good source of protein and iron. Sweetgrass turkeys are often used for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and can also be roasted, grilled, or smoked.
Availability
Sweetgrass turkeys are a rare breed, but they are becoming more popular. They can be found at some specialty poultry farms and online retailers.
If you are looking for a rare and beautiful heritage breed of turkey with a calm temperament and delicious meat, then a Sweetgrass turkey is a great option. They are easy to care for and raise, and they make great pets for families with children.
References
- Porter Turkeys “Tricolor “Sweetgrass” Turkeys https://www.porterturkeys.com/sweetgrass.htm/.”
