Bourbon Red: A rich mahogany red with black bars, white wings and a white tail with a brown bar. Bourbon Red turkey. My experience with my Pet Bourban Red Turkey has been interesting to say the least. About Bourbon Red Turkeys. I was given the opportunity to purchase a bourbon red tom (the hen I already have is another, commercial variety), about 8-10 weeks old and I am considering it. The breed standard indicates mature Bourbon Red toms (males) weigh 15 kilograms (33 pounds), and … White: Bred specifically for large commercial production for the table. Usually not regarded as more than an exhibition bird, it is bred more for its colour, a dark blue/grey colour. Here are a few tips. Other than the eggs, they are just pets, and spoiled at that. Bourbon Reds were bred in Kentucky and accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1909. While a turkey hen may not have the plumage of the male, it gives something that you can use – eggs. The Bourbon Red Turkey's history starts in Bourbon County Kentucky, where the turkey was bred to have a broad breast and flavorful meat. Like all the other heritage turkeys, Bourbon Red's were once nearly an extinct breed but they are rebounding and becoming popular once again. Turkey eggs are an excellent substitute for chicken eggs. Perhaps the best reason to raise a turkey is that these intelligent birds tend to be very affectionate pets. I have a small flock of a few (10-15) chicken, a geese couple and a turkey hen, all very well tempered and going along pretty well. I really want turkeys. A man named J. F. Barbee originally bred Bourbon Reds by crossing Bronze, Holland and Dark Buff Tuskarora turkeys in the late 1800s. If considering to keep a turkey as a pet, I might say a turkey hen would be more apt to be a friend. The Bourbon Red turkey is a breed of domestic turkey named for its unique reddish plumage and for Bourbon County, Kentucky. Slate: A eye catching turkey developed from the bronze. I realize this is a subjective thing, the answer is going to vary from person to person. What does raising turkeys as pets involve, though? I think they are just beautiful birds. But, what breed? I currently have chickens and ducks.