The Turken is a unique-looking bird. At first sight, you may think it is part turkey, but the Turken is all chicken!
Turken hens are good layers of brown eggs. They tend to be broody and are good setters and mothers to their young.
This breed also makes a great meat bird due to its large size.
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Turken Chicken Breed Quick Info
Turken Chicken Description
| Turken Type/Size: | Standard |
| Feather Color: | White, red, black, or buff |
| Leg Type: | Clean |
| Leg Color: | Yellow |
| Skin Color: | Yellow |
| Turken Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
| Turken Special Care Needs: | No |
| Is the Turken breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Heritage |
Turken Use
| Meat | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Dual Purpose | Yes |
| Turken Temperament: | Gentle, docile |
| Turken Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Turken Egg Production
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 180-240 |
| Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | High |
Turken Meat Production
| Dressed Weight Male | 7 ¼ lbs. |
| Dressed Weight Female | 5 ½ lbs. |
Turken Climate Tolerance
| Heat | Good |
| Cold | Good |
Turken Age to Maturity
| Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 5 Months |
| Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 5 Months |
| Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | 16 Weeks |
Turken Size at Maturity
| Male | 8 ½ lbs. |
| Female | 6 ½ lbs. |
Origins of the Turken Chicken
The origins of the Turken chicken are a bit of a mystery. What is known, though, is the more recent development of the breed.
This has taken place in Eastern Europe, mainly in Hungary, earning them the alternate name of Transylvanian Naked Neck.
Their naked neck was purposely bred into their appearance to make plucking for meat purposes easier, as well as increased heat tolerance.
They became a recognized breed in the United States in 1965.
Some Things to Know About the Turken Chicken
The Turken is easily recognizable thanks to its bare neck and scarce feathering on the breast, under the wings, and near the vent. They even hatch without any feathers or hackles on their neck!
According to breed standards, they can be found in white, red, black, and buff.
Turkens have a red single comb and wattles with yellow legs and skin. They are large birds and, consequently, lay large eggs.
How Easy is it to Keep Turken Chickens?
Despite their sparse feathering and naked necks, the Turken is surprisingly cold hardy. They also do well in the heat, provided they have access to shade.
They do well in confinement and have a calm, gentle nature. This makes them great pets and shows chickens.
Special Care and Considerations for Turken Chickens
As with all birds with a single comb, frostbite can be an issue. When the temperature drops, you can help to protect their comb with a bit of vaseline.
If you’re planning to breed your Turken chickens, be aware that around 10% of the chicks will have feathers on their necks.
