What is a Turken or Turkin? A Transylvanian Naked Neck Chicken

This breed, also known as the Transylvanian Naked Neck, was first bred in Hungary, and later perfected in Germany. Contrary to what some folks believe, the Naked Neck is 100% chicken – not a cross between a turkey and a chicken. It’s from this misconception, however, that its name, “Turken”, sometimes spelled “Turkin”, has been derived. National Geographic has referred to it as a 'churkey'.

A number of the color varieties of the Naked Neck breed have been recognized by the American Poultry Association since 1965. The Standard of Perfection recognizes Buff, Red, and White for the large Turkens in the Miscellaneous or Continental Class. But like most breeds different colors and patterns exist. There are Turkens with both single combs and rose combs although the Standard of Perfection only recognizes the single combs.

There is also a breed with naked necks in Australia that has pea combs and lays blue or green eggs.

Despite its recognition by the American Poultry Association, and its highly unusual appearance which would definitely draw attention to it, the breed is not really known as an exhibition bird.

The Naked Neck is a dual purpose bird. Because of this, the Naked neck is a very popular among homesteading families. It lays between 120-180 medium to large light brown eggs each year and has a meaty body usually weighing between 6-8 pounds. The Naked Neck has approximately half as many feathers as other chickens its size, making it much more tolerant of heat. They are also reasonably cold hardy despite this lack of plumage. It is this lack of plumage (making them easier to pluck) and their meaty bodies that has made them favorable for meat production. Turkens can be broody and make very good mothers.

They are proficient foragers making them excellent free-range birds; however they do well in confinement as well. Because of their immunity to most diseases, they are a very hardy breed.

The neck and head of the Naked Neck often becomes a very bright red because of its exposure to the sun. This characteristic (its bare red turkey-like neck) is what makes a turkey come to mind when observing this chicken.

Despite some people’s instant aversion to this “ugly chicken”, many are won over by the chicken’s personality. In one of the chicken forums I read this interesting story. A mother shares, “A week ago, I went to the feed store to let my daughter pick out some chicks for her to raise for 4-H . And of course she picks out those ugly little turkins..I also let her pick out a few chicks out of several other breeds. So I have 30 little birds it my brooder. But I am beginning to like these ugly little guys. They have a personality all their own. They seem to be more active and high strung than the rest of our babies. When we let them out in our yard to play they are running back and forth chasing each other. My daughter says it looks like they are playing tag. One even caught a fly in midair!! I don't know how they will be when they are older but they are a riot right now. I do think I may even be the one picking out some next year!!”

Like ‘em or love ‘em, they’re still 100% chicken. No turkeys allowed.

"Why Transylvanian Chickens Have Naked Necks - Genetic mutation gives "churkeys" bare necks, study shows." Click on link to read article.

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Copyright © 2011 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)

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