Demystifying the Unique Half Chicken, Half Turkey “Turken” Chicken Breed

At first glance, the unusual Turken chicken breed looks like a cross between a chicken and a turkey. With its bald neck and scraggly feathers, the Turken has an appearance unlike any standard chicken. This unique bird is sometimes referred to as a “churkey” or mistakenly called a hybrid. But the Turken is 100% chicken despite its turkey-like traits.

Let’s delve into this fascinating breed known as the half chicken half turkey!

Overview of the Turken Chicken Breed

The most distinctive feature of the Turken chicken is the lack of feathers on the neck and limited feathers on the breast and wings This gives them an almost vulture-like appearance that stands out from other chickens, The bare skin on the neck ranges from bright red to bluish in color,

While the partial nakedness may seem to make them vulnerable in cold weather, Turkens are actually quite hardy and cold tolerant. Their lack of feathers aids thermoregulation, allowing them to stay cool in hot climates.

Turkens have a medium-sized single comb and come in several color varieties including black, white, buff, red, and silver. They are attractive ornamental chickens that also serve as dual purpose birds – laying medium to large brown eggs while also producing good meat.

Origins and History

The Turken chicken originated in Transylvania, which is how they got one of their names, Transylvanian Naked Neck. Some sources report that naked neck chickens existed in Africa for centuries before being selectively bred in Europe.

The mutation causing the partial featherless trait likely occurred randomly in domestic chicken populations. Turkens were brought to the United States in the late 1800s from Austria-Hungary.

By the mid 1900s they almost disappeared but were preserved by hobby breeders. Today they are listed as a recovering breed by the Livestock Conservancy. Their unusual appearance and abilities have contributed to a resurgence in popularity.

The Genetics Behind Their Unique Look

The Turken’s partial featherless neck results from a dominant gene that prevents feather growth in certain areas. Research by the University of Edinburgh in 2011 found that a protein called BMP12 selectively expressed around the neck suppresses feather formation, creating the naked neck phenotype.

BMP12 inhibits feathers by a similar process found in vultures, ostriches and other birds with bare necks. This research provides insight into how diverse bird species have gained naked necks independently through convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry.

Benefits of Raising Turken Chickens

Aside from their unusual appearance, Turkens offer advantages for small farm flocks:

• Excellent dual purpose bird for both meat and eggs
• Smaller size than larger chicken breeds
• Active foragers if allowed to free range
• Heat and cold hardy due to lack of feathers
• Docile, friendly temperament good for families
• Hens are good brooders and mothers
• Require less feed than bigger birds

Overall, Turkens are a great addition to diversified small farm flocks, providing a steady supply of eggs and optional meat production.

Are Turkens a Real Hybrid?

While often called a “half chicken, half turkey”, the Turken is a true chicken breed exhibiting traits from both species. The bare neck resembling a turkey combined with the smaller stature of a chicken gives them their distinctive fusion appearance. But Turkens are not actual hybrids between chickens and turkeys.

Through random genetic mutations and selective breeding, the Turken chicken has emerged as a fascinating example of the variation that can develop in domesticated poultry over time.

Cooking Turkens

Turkens can be cooked similarly to standard chickens, though their lack of feathers makes them easier to prepare. They tend to have juicy, flavorful meat on par with heritage chicken breeds.

When roasting or grilling Turkens, pay attention to any thinner areas like the breast and wings which may cook faster. Using a meat thermometer ensures the meat reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a half chicken, half turkey called?

The breed goes by Turken, Transylvanian Naked Neck, or sometimes “churkey.” They are 100% chicken despite the turkey-like neck.

Can a chicken and turkey crossbreed?

It is very difficult for chickens and turkeys to crossbreed successfully. Hybrids that do occur are usually not viable. The Turken chicken is not a hybrid, just a unique breed.

How many people can a half Turken chicken serve?

A half Turken chicken can serve 2-3 people. Remove the breast and cut into slices, then portion out the leg, thigh, and wing. Let everyone serve themselves family-style.

What does a Turken chicken look like?

Turkens have no feathers on the neck or face, giving them a very unusual vulture-like appearance. The neck skin turns red in sunlight. The rest of the body looks like a standard chicken.

Are Turkens good egg layers?

Yes, hens lay about 220-280 medium to large brown eggs per year. They are excellent dual purpose chickens for both eggs and meat.

An Intriguing Chicken Breed

With its signature bald neck and scraggly feathers, the Turken chicken breed exhibits an intriguing blend of traits from both the chicken and turkey families. While commonly mistaken for a hybrid, genetic research confirms this unusual bird is 100% chicken despite the turkey-like characteristics. For small farms seeking a dual purpose ornamental breed, the Turken offers great utility along with plenty of unique personality. Their distinctive half chicken, half turkey look makes raising these birds an enjoyable and fascinating experience!