Turken Naked Neck

Turken Naked Neck Chicken

The Naked Neck chicken, often affectionately referred to as the Turken, is a breed developed with the goal of creating a bird that’s easier to pluck and process. With fewer feathers than most other chickens, they are an ideal choice for those who prioritize efficiency in preparing poultry.

These birds are excellent brown egg layers and are known for their ability to thrive in colder climates. The standard weights for Naked Neck chickens are approximately 8.5 lbs for roosters, 6.5 lbs for hens, 7.5 lbs for young roosters, and 5.5 lbs for young hens.

Naked Neck chickens are certainly a unique breed, both in appearance and personality. Despite their unusual look, they are friendly and easy to handle, making them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts. They also perform well at poultry shows, thanks to their striking appearance. My own flock of Naked Necks arrived earlier this year, and they are growing beautifully, showcasing the hardiness and charm of this distinctive breed.

The origins of the Naked Neck chicken are somewhat mysterious, but it is widely believed that they were first bred in Eastern Hungary. Contrary to popular myth, they are not a hybrid of chickens and turkeys. Instead, the characteristic “naked neck” trait was specifically bred into them to enhance their meat production and heat tolerance. Naked Neck chickens are known for their size, laying abilities, and come in a variety of colors.

Though often called "Turkens" due to their turkey-like necks, these chickens are purebred and have earned a place in the American Standard of Perfection since 1965. When breeding Naked Necks, about 90% of the offspring will inherit the signature naked neck, while 10% may have feathers on their necks. At The Chicken Coop Company, we ensure that the chicks we send to you will all feature the distinct naked neck that makes this breed so special.

Temperament:

• Friendly and Docile: Turkens are generally known to be calm and friendly. They are relatively easy to handle, making them a good choice for families or beginner chicken keepers. They tend to be less flighty than some other breeds, and they are usually very tolerant of handling.
  
  
  
• Curious and Social: These chickens are quite social and curious. They enjoy foraging and exploring their surroundings, and they generally get along well with other chickens in a flock. They are also quite intelligent and enjoy human interaction, though they may not be as affectionate as some other breeds.
  
  
  
• Hardy: Despite their bare necks, Turkens are surprisingly hardy. Their unique appearance doesn’t make them particularly vulnerable to the cold, as they have a strong, resilient constitution. However, in extremely cold climates, it’s important to protect their exposed necks from frostbite, especially in freezing temperatures.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Prolific Layers: One of the most notable aspects of the Turken is its egg-laying ability. They are very consistent and reliable egg layers. A Turken hen can lay about 4-5 brown eggs per week, depending on the individual bird and the time of year.
  
  
  
• Egg Quality: The eggs are typically medium to large in size, with a smooth, brown shell. They are known for having a rich and flavorful taste, making them a favorite for fresh eggs.

Health and Care:

• Resilient and Hardy: Turkens are generally a hardy breed, capable of withstanding a variety of climates. Their lack of neck feathers doesn’t make them more prone to illness, but it does require some consideration in extreme weather conditions, particularly in cold climates. A chicken sweater or providing a windbreak in cold weather can help protect the exposed neck from frostbite.
  
  
  
• Minimal Feather Maintenance: Since Turkens don’t have feathers on their necks, they don’t require special grooming in that area, though they should be kept clean and dry. As with all chickens, regular checks for parasites, such as mites or lice, should be performed.
  
  
  
• Free Range: Turkens are quite active and enjoy free-ranging. They are good foragers and will happily roam around searching for insects, seeds, and other food. However, they should still be provided with a safe, secure enclosure to protect them from predators.

What color eggs do Turken chickens lay? Turken hens are reliable layers and typically produce brown eggs. Their feather coverage is lighter compared to other breeds, giving them a unique appearance. They come in various colors, including black, cuckoo, white, red, blue, and buff. These chickens are known for their calm demeanor, making them easy to manage.

Are Turken chickens aggressive? Turken, or Naked Neck chickens, are generally calm and friendly by nature. While the majority of them are docile, some roosters may display occasional aggression. They are excellent foragers and thrive in free-range environments.

Can a Turken breed with other chickens? Despite their turkey-like appearance due to the "naked neck," Turkens are entirely chickens and can breed with other chicken breeds. This distinct look was developed to make them easier to process.

What are Turkens used for? Turkens are ideal for backyard settings and are easy to care for. They have a mild temperament and are affordable, with chicks costing around $2 each in mixed gender batches. Available in many colors, Turkens are good egg layers and can reach up to eight pounds, making them suitable for both egg and meat production.

• Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Miscellaneous Class
  
• Weights: Hen —-6 1/2 lbs
  
• Rooster—-8 1/2 lb
  
• Pullet—-5 1/2 lbs
  
• Cockerel—7 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Primary production, Egg Laying & Pet/Secondary meat source
  
• Egg Shell Color: Light Brown
  
• Egg Production: 180-240 eggs per year. (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
  
• Temperament: Docile
  
• Gender Accuracy: 80-85%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 55-70%
  
• Broody: Setter
  
• Mating Ratio: 10 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin: Eastern Hungary
  
• APA: Red, white, and buff recognized by American Poultry Association in 1965
  
• TLC: Not Listed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of production type Turken “Naked Neck” since 1971.