If you've been scrolling through hatchery catalogs and finally decided on bourbon red chicks, you're in for a really fun experience. These birds are some of the most striking turkeys you can find, and honestly, they have more personality in one feather than some entire flocks of chickens. But before you get those tiny, fuzzy balls of energy in the mail or pick them up from the local feed store, there are a few things you should know about getting them through those first few critical weeks.
Why Choose Bourbon Reds?
You might be wondering why someone would pick a heritage breed like the Bourbon Red over the more common broad-breasted varieties. It usually comes down to two things: sustainability and flavor. Bourbon Reds were developed in Kentucky (Bourbon County, specifically) back in the late 1800s. They weren't just bred for meat; they were bred to be hardy, beautiful, and able to forage for themselves.
When you bring home bourbon red chicks, you aren't just getting a future dinner; you're getting a bird that can actually live a long, healthy life. Unlike industrial turkeys that grow so fast they can barely walk, Bourbon Reds are athletic. They can fly, they can find their own bugs, and they can even hatch their own eggs if you decide to let them breed later on. Plus, that deep chestnut plumage with the bright white tail feathers? It's absolutely gorgeous in a backyard setting.
Setting Up Your Brooder
Before your bourbon red chicks arrive, you need to have their "nursery" ready to go. We call this a brooder, and while it doesn't have to be fancy, it does need to be functional. A large stock tank, a heavy-duty plastic bin, or even a sturdy cardboard box can work in a pinch. Just make sure it's tall enough that they won't go hopping out the moment they find their legs.
Turkeys are a bit more sensitive than chickens when they're young. You'll want to keep the temperature at about 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. Each week after that, you can drop it by five degrees until they're fully feathered. One mistake people often make is keeping the whole brooder at that high temperature. Don't do that. Give them a "hot zone" under the heat lamp and a "cool zone" where they can go if they start feeling like they're being roasted. If you see them all huddled together directly under the light, they're too cold. If they're pressed against the far edges of the box, it's too hot.
For bedding, go with pine shavings. Avoid cedar because the oils can irritate their lungs, and definitely avoid anything slippery like newspaper. Bourbon red chicks can develop "spraddle leg" if they can't get a good grip on the floor, and that's a heartbreak you don't want to deal with on day two.
Feeding and Hydration
Here is where turkeys really differ from chickens. Bourbon red chicks grow incredibly fast, and they need a lot of protein to support all that bone and muscle development. You can't just throw them some basic chick starter and call it a day. You'll want to look for a "game bird starter" or a specific "turkey starter" that has at least 28% protein.
They'll stay on this high-protein kick for about the first eight weeks. After that, you can transition them to a grower feed. Another thing to keep in mind is that turkeys aren't always the "brightest" when they're babies. Sometimes you actually have to show them where the food and water are. I've found that tapping my finger on the feeder to mimic a mother hen's beak usually gets their attention.
For water, make sure the dish isn't deep enough for them to fall in and drown. It sounds silly, but it happens. Adding some marbles to the water tray is a classic trick—it attracts their curiosity so they peck at the marbles and discover the water, but it keeps the water level shallow enough to stay safe.
Understanding Their Personality
One of the best parts about raising bourbon red chicks is how incredibly curious they are. While a chicken might run away if you walk into the coop, a Bourbon Red is likely to walk right up to you to see if you have anything interesting in your pockets.
They're very social creatures. If you raise them with a lot of human interaction, they'll basically become like feathered dogs. They'll follow you around the yard, "talk" to you with various peeps and trills, and generally want to be involved in whatever you're doing. This curiosity also means they can get into trouble. They love to explore, so as they get older, you'll need to make sure your fences are secure and that they don't have access to anything they shouldn't be pecking at—like your favorite flower garden or the shiny bits on your lawnmower.
Health and Wellness Checks
You'll want to keep a close eye on your bourbon red chicks for the first month. The most common issue is "pasty butt," which is exactly what it sounds like. Droppings can get stuck and dry over their vent, which is a life-threatening situation if not fixed. It's gross, but you'll need to use a warm, damp paper towel to gently clear the blockage. Check them every morning and evening; it only takes a second and saves lives.
Also, keep their brooder dry. Turkeys and dampness do not mix well. Wet bedding is a breeding ground for coccidiosis, a parasite that can wipe out a brood of poults before you even realize what's happening. If the waterer leaks or they splash it everywhere, take the five minutes to change the shavings. It's much easier to swap out bedding than it is to treat a sick flock.
Transitioning to the Great Outdoors
Once your bourbon red chicks are about six to eight weeks old and fully feathered, they'll be itching to get outside. But don't just kick them out into the wild. They need a "hardening off" period. Start by letting them spend a few hours outside in a secure run during the day when it's warm and sunny.
Just remember: turkeys are very susceptible to the elements until they're older. A sudden cold rain can be devastating for a young turkey. Make sure they always have a dry place to retreat to. Even as adults, Bourbon Reds are pretty tough, but they still appreciate a roof over their heads when the weather turns nasty.
Another thing to consider is "blackhead disease." This is a parasite that lives in the ground and is often carried by chickens without them showing symptoms. However, it can be fatal to turkeys. A lot of people raise chickens and turkeys together without an issue, but it's something to be aware of. If you have the space, keeping them on fresh ground where chickens haven't been for a while is the safest bet for your bourbon red chicks.
Final Thoughts on the Journey
Raising bourbon red chicks is a bit of a commitment compared to your standard backyard bird, but the payoff is huge. Whether you're looking to get into heritage breed conservation, wanting a better quality of meat for your holiday table, or you just want some entertaining companions for your farm, these birds fit the bill.
They grow into impressive, intelligent, and frankly quite funny adults. Just take it one day at a time, keep their bellies full of high-protein snacks, and make sure they stay warm and dry. Before you know it, those little fuzzy chicks will be strutting around your yard, showing off those famous red and white feathers and making you glad you decided to go with a heritage breed.