Naked Neck (Turken)

Tops in my bookWhen I went searching for a dual purpose bird I researched 400 hundred breeds. Including some not sold by McMurray hatchery. My Criteria was to find a bird with the following criteria: 1. Great egg layer 2. Good for Meat 3. Broody 4. Cold/heat tolerant 5. Forage well 6. Predator Smart 7. Good genetics for health 8. Good Disposition. After researching for about a year I decided to go with Naked Necks because I discovered they fit the bill for all my requests. I could not believe they fit all my desires. I even discovered a good trait. Since they have much less feathers than other chickens, they don't need quite as much protein.

We lost some to a predator break in while they were still young, but since then they have been great. The picture on this profile is true to form but also a little lacking in showing them off. They are actually cute as adults and less scraggly looking as the profile shows as of 12/30/22. They do get to nice sizes. Especially the Roosters. The two roosters we kept are really nice sizes and good looking birds. The hens we kept are as well. We have lots of chickens, so there shouldn't be too much competition from the roosters. Even as adults, the roosters we kept are hanging out together at times and don't bother each other. I did have a few of the hens that were a little smaller than I hoped, but those were culled and three roosters we decided not to keep. I mention this because these birds are so much easier to clean than any bird we've processed. Thew lack of feathers in certain spots is amazing. You do need to be careful not to cook them since they have much less feathers. Watch the water temp and don't put them in the water too long. I started cooking the first one (oops).

If you just want them for eggs, they also are quite friendly as far as chickens go. Some will let you hold them for a bit. One of the roosters in particular likes to cuddle a little (insert that surprise look on my face). I can't say yours will do this but one of mine will put his head and neck against my cheek and once even laid his head on my shoulder.

I know this sounds weird, but they like neck rubs and I find the way the feel fascinating. Plus, they are so warm to the touch. I also love the red skin they turn as they get older. Some will stay more fleshy, but most seem to turn Red.

I am fascinated by these birds. I will order more in time to increase my flocks genetics and for meat because they are everything I hoped for in a homestead chicken.

Never againWe have about twenty weeks into our ~2 dozen undersized meat birds. They were constantly harassing each other, a couple with substantial injuries, one late death. The same sized tractors worked A-Ok in the past with Cornish-X, Red Rangers, and NJBG.