Half chicken and half turkey? No, the Turken is all chicken but unique because of its turkey-like bare neck, less than normal feathering around the breast, under the wings, and around the vent. In spite of the feather shortage, Turkens stand cold weather very well, are good layers of brown eggs, and grow to 6 pounds or more, making a fine eating bird. The hens are also good setters. The origin of this breed is uncertain but more recent development in Eastern Europe gave them the name Transylvanian Naked Necks. They are now standardized for show in White, Black, Buff, and Red. We have purposely kept our Turken flocks mixed in color (including silver) for a more colorful and distinctive offspring. Baby chicks hatch with bare necks and are easily identified.
People thought there was something wrong with my "oddity" Naked-neck. Boy are they surprised when they find out it's an actuall breed. I bought 1 as a novelty a couple years ago, and does she lay! Last year I ordered 5 more and they turned out to be the hardiest of the chicks in the batch! Thanx for the entertainment and educational tool in chicken breeds! I love them!
Thank you for this informative page. I recently hatched a batch of eggs and one of these little darlings was in the hatch. I never knew it was an actual breed.
I recieved a "naked neck" as my freebie when I ordered my RIR's. "Simon" is cute as can be. He is certainly a conversation piece when people visit the farm. He reminds me of a miniature ostrich! Thank you for sending him as the free chick. I couldn't have asked for a cuter rooster!
Our male Turken was the free chick you gave us in February 2001, he is now so big, heavy and tall, in good health and strong. An intelligent bird with a big character. We enjoy him so much. Thank you to gave us the opportunity to meet this breed full of qualities with this nice surprise. Truly. JohanneSainte-Adele, Quebec
Did You Know?
Did you know that chicks, just before they hatch, draw into their adomen the yolk of the egg? Rich in food value and liquid, the yolk provides the newly-hatched chick with all it needs to eat and drink for over 3 days. That is why we can hatch chicks here, ship them to you , and know that they will be well provided for along the way.