The Bourbon Red was bred in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky in the late nineteenth century, . The breeding is thought to have been based on a particularly dark strain of Buff Turkey from Pennsylvania called the Tuscawara or Tuscarora Red. It was initially called the Kentucky Red or Bourbon Butternut, but became better known once the name Bourbon Red was adopted. Bourbon Reds were accepted into the Standard of Perfection in 1909.

The Bourbon Red is a heritage turkey as well as an endangered breed, classified as ‘watch’ by the Livestock Conservancy after a decline in popularity around the 50s while the Broad Breasted White Turkey gained popularity commercially for meat.

At Huxley’s Homestead, we breed for temperament and toward SOP “type”. Our hens and toms are inquisitive and affectionately called “gentle giants” by Katie. They flap and run to you for treats and, when raised with lots of attention, really enjoy their cuddle time with you! Bourbon Reds are absolutely amazing foragers and we often find ours turning our compost pile for us and chasing after grasshoppers.

We offer both hatching eggs and poults to share and promote this heritage breed with others.