Standard Bronze

The Standard Bronze turkey is a heritage breed known for its striking appearance and historical significance. It is distinguished by its iridescent plumage, which boasts a rich blend of bronze, copper, and shimmering metallic tones, making it one of the most visually captivating turkey breeds. This breed, developed in the United States during the 18th century, owes its lineage to the crossbreeding of domestic turkeys brought by European settlers and the wild turkeys indigenous to North America. The Standard Bronze is renowned for its robust size, with mature toms typically weighing between 25 and 36 pounds and hens ranging from 16 to 20 pounds.

Aside from their impressive looks, Standard Bronze turkeys are valued for their hardy nature and adaptability to various environmental conditions. They are well-suited for free-range farming, as they retain some of the foraging instincts of their wild ancestors. This breed is also known for its flavorful meat, which has a rich, traditional taste reminiscent of the bygone eras of American Thanksgiving dinners.

In terms of temperament, Standard Bronzes are generally calm and sociable birds, although toms can display dominant behavior during the breeding season. While modern commercial varieties have overshadowed them, efforts by heritage breed enthusiasts and small-scale farmers have helped preserve the Standard Bronze turkey, ensuring its legacy continues to be a part of agricultural biodiversity.

Colors: Bronze, Black, Brown with Metallic Sheen