What is the Heaviest Turkey?
The heaviest turkey on record was a domesticated turkey named "Big Tom," which weighed an astonishing 86 pounds (39 kg). This impressive bird was raised by farmer Matt Weingartner at his farm in Missouri, USA, in 1983.
History of Turkey Breeding
Before we dive into the world of record-breaking turkeys, let’s take a brief look at the history of turkey breeding. Wild turkeys were first domesticated by Native Americans over 2,000 years ago. The first domesticated turkeys were likely brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Since then, breeders have selectively bred turkeys for desirable traits such as size, plumage, and meat quality.
The Record-Breaking Turkey
Big Tom, the heaviest turkey on record, was born in 1982 on Matt Weingartner’s farm in Missouri. Weingartner, a poultry farmer, had been raising turkeys for years and had already won several awards for his birds. He decided to breed Big Tom’s parents with the goal of creating the largest turkey possible.
Feeding and Care
To help Big Tom grow to his massive size, Weingartner fed him a specialized diet that included a combination of grains, proteins, and vitamins. The turkey was also given regular massages to help improve circulation and reduce stress. Weingartner estimates that Big Tom consumed around 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg) of food per day.
Record-Breaking Feat
On November 3, 1983, Big Tom was officially weighed and measured at 86 pounds (39 kg). This broke the previous record of 74 pounds (34 kg) set by a turkey named "Gobbler" in 1973. Big Tom’s impressive size and weight earned him recognition from the Guinness World Records, and he became an overnight sensation.
Interesting Facts About Big Tom
Here are some interesting facts about Big Tom:
- Big Tom was 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) long, making him one of the longest turkeys on record.
- He had a wingspan of 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters), making him one of the widest turkeys on record.
- Big Tom consumed around 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg) of food per day.
- He was so large that he had to be moved around the farm using a forklift.
- Big Tom was eventually donated to a local zoo, where he became a popular attraction.
Comparison to Other Large Turkeys
Here’s a comparison of Big Tom to other large turkeys:
| Turkey | Weight | Length | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Tom | 86 pounds (39 kg) | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) | 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) |
| Gobbler | 74 pounds (34 kg) | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) |
| Turkey #1 | 65 pounds (29 kg) | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
Conclusion
Big Tom, the heaviest turkey on record, was a remarkable bird that captured the hearts of many. His impressive size and weight made him a celebrity, and he remains one of the most well-known turkeys in history. While it’s unlikely that we’ll see another turkey as large as Big Tom, breeders continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with turkey breeding.