POULTRY RAISING TURKEYS 357 



ished specimens of all varieties are always in demand. So we see it is not so 

 much the breed that counts as it is the quality. One must only know how to 

 take care of the birds to make a success of turkey raising. 



Bronze Turkey. This variety runs more to size than any of the others, 

 perhaps too much so. Size within reasonable limits is desired and encouraged, 

 but when it consists in a gain in length of thigh and shank, it is an increase of 

 weight with but little value. The Bronze turkey is naturally the largest in size, 

 the most vigorous in constitution, and the most profitable to grow. However, 

 through carelessness in breeding they often lack their natural characteristics. 



Narragansett. For all purposes this variety holds its own with any of 

 the rest, and should be more generally cultivated for market purposes. The 

 turkeys of this variety have fine form in breast and body, shorter legs than the 

 Bronze as well as a more contented nature. They average smaller but some 

 declare that they can be made to mature faster and reach market size quicker 

 than the Bronze. These birds are highly valued by those who grow them. 



Slate. These turkeys are about the size of the Blacks and Buffs as a rule. 

 Some value them highly but they have not been bred extensively enough to 

 determine their market value. 



White. This is another fine variety for all purposes. They grow to the 

 most profitable sizes and dress well for market. With them, as with other 

 white poultry, the pin feathers do not show as much as in the darker varieties, 

 and their pinkish white shanks add to their appearance. White turkeys are 

 largely grown in some localities. They are no harder to rear and have as much 

 vitality as the other varieties. Also the Whites are more contented to stay at 

 home than some of the others, so they are suited to farms with limited range. 



Black. These turkeys are fine for table purposes. When dressed they 

 present a most desirable plumpness and finish. The Blacks are quite hardy. 

 They round up nicely at an early age and mature for the early markets. Like 

 the Whites, the Blacks are quite contented at home which makes them a desir- 

 able bird for the farmer who wishes to keep them on a limited area. 



Bourbon Red. This is a good, all around variety and some think the 

 rich color of flesh and skin excels the others. The birds grow large, vigorous 

 and strong with a splendid fullness of breast. 



Buff. This variety is scarce. They are very attractive when dressed and 

 grow quickly. The average weight of the birds is several pounds less than 

 that of the Narragansetts. Some growers in the East are paying more attention 

 to this variety in order to determine their value. 



HOUSING. 



As a rule little housing is done for turkeys except in very cold climates. 

 They need the open air. However it is always advisable to give them some kind 

 of shelter to protect them from the direct blast of the cold wintry winds. Where 

 shelter is necessary a coop may be .built patterned after poultry houses with the 

 slanting roofs. An open ventilator should be built in front, close to the roof, 

 and this should never be closed, except in cold weather. Just enough light is 



