This is the Transylvanian naked neck chicken, popularly known as the “churkey” because it appears to have the body of a chicken and the head of a turkey. And this mysterious mutation could actually help feed the world.
What makes the churkey – or, as it is also rather predictably known, the turken – appear turkey-like is its neck, which is completely devoid of feathers. Edinburgh University researchers believe this is the result of a mutation, which was then exacerbated and enhanced by the vitamin A-like substance produced in the bird’s neck.
This substance in turn leads to the creation of a protein known as BMP12, which stops feather growth and leads to the bald neck that the churkey enjoys today. This is likely the same basic process that has given other naked-necked birds like vultures and ostriches their distinctive appearance, and it helps solve the evolutionary mystery of how so many different birds have gained naked necks when they don’t have a common ancestor.
What’s particularly cool about this mutation is that it could actually help save lives. Their naked necks make churkeys far better-equipped to handled hot tropical climates than their chicken counterparts, and their introduction could provide a much-needed jolt to poultry production in the developing world.
The Turken chicken breed, also known as Transylvanian Naked Neck, is a unique and unusual chicken that has been nicknamed the “half chicken half turkey”. This is because at first glance, the Turken appears to be a cross between a chicken and a turkey due to its bare neck and lack of feathers on the breast and wings. However, the Turken is 100% chicken despite its turkey-like appearance.
Overview of the Turken Chicken
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 a scrawny, almost vulture-like appearance that is quite different from other chicken breeds. The bare skin on the neck can range from bright red to bluish in color.
While the near-naked neck and breast may seem to make them vulnerable to cold weather, Turkens are actually very hardy and cold tolerant Their lack of feathers aids thermoregulation, allowing them to keep cool in hot climates Originating in Transylvania, these chickens are well adapted to a variety of environments.
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 dual purpose as good layers of medium to large brown eggs. Hens lay about 220-280 eggs per year. Turkens are also good setters and mothers.
The roosters weigh around 8.5 lbs at maturity and hens weigh approximately 6.5 lbs. The meat is reported to be flavorful and tender. The lack of feathers makes them easier to dress than fully feathered chickens.
History and Origins
The origins of the Turken chicken are not definitively known. The breed was first documented in Transylvania which is how they got one of their names, Transylvanian Naked Necks. Some sources report that naked neck chickens have been present in Africa for centuries. Selective breeding of the trait in Europe resulted in the standardization of the unique Turken.
The mutation that causes the partial nakedness is thought to have occurred randomly in domestic chicken populations. It was brought into the United States in the late 1800s from Austria-Hungary. At one time, Turkens were raised in large numbers in the Midwest to supply big city markets with chicken meat.
They almost disappeared by the mid 1900s but were preserved by hobby breeders. Today they are listed as “recovering” by the Livestock Conservancy. The unusual appearance and dual purpose abilities of the Turken chicken have contributed to a resurgence in popularity.
Genetics Behind the “Half Chicken Half Turkey” Look
The Turken’s partial featherless neck results from a dominant gene that suppresses feather growth in particular areas. Scientists from the University of Edinburgh studied the genetic basis behind this trait in 2011.
By analyzing DNA samples from Naked Neck chickens, they identified a protein called BMP12 that is selectively expressed around the neck area. BMP12 inhibits feather formation, creating the naked neck phenotype. This is the same protein involved in scaling and feather patterning in birds like vultures.
Researchers found that the suppression of feathers by BMP12 helps with thermoregulation in hot environments, an adaptive advantage. The Turken chicken provides insight into developmental biology as well as the genetic mechanisms behind morphological variation in poultry.
Benefits of Raising Turken Chickens
Aside from their unusual appearance, Turkens offer a number of benefits for small farm flock owners:
- Excellent dual purpose breed for meat and eggs
- Smaller chickens so need less space than larger meat breeds
- Very active good foragers if allowed to free range
- Excellent heat tolerance due to lack of feathers
- Extremely cold hardy even in very frigid winters
- Docile, friendly temperament good for families
- Hens are good setters and mothers
- Require less feed than larger birds
Turkens are an ideal addition to diversified small farm flocks. They provide an ongoing supply of eggs along with the option to cull for meat. Their unique genetics may potentially be used to develop better adapted poultry for hot climates.
While commonly called “half chicken half turkey”, the Turken is a true chicken breed that exhibits a fusion of traits from both species. Their bare neck from the turkey is combined with the compact body size of a chicken. Rather than a hybrid, the Turken represents a fascinating example of the variation that can arise in domestic animals over time. Raising a flock of Turkens is sure to be an enjoyable and interesting experience for any poultry keeper.
How to Bake a Chicken Half ~ Easy Cooking
FAQ
What is a half chicken half turkey called?
Can a turkey and chicken crossbreed?
Is there such thing as a turkey and chicken mix?
What does a Turkin look like?
Why is it called a turkey neck?
The name “Turken” came about simply because its neck looks similar to a turkey’s neck. Despite some folks’ instant aversion to this “ugly chicken,” many are won over by the Naked Neck’s personality. In one of the chicken forums I read, I found this interesting story.
How do you cook half chicken in a frying pan?
Start by seasoning your half chicken with kosher salt and pepper. Generously season both sides! Add olive oil to a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it is hot and shimmery add the half chicken, skin side down. Place a piece of foil or parchment over the raw chicken and then stack a heavy pan/pot/can on top to weigh it down.
Are Turken Naked Necks a chicken?
Some people even think that Turken Naked Necks are an actual cross between a turkey and a chicken. The name Turken can sometimes add to this confusion, as the name is derived from the once popular idea that this animal was a hybrid animal. Despite the possible misleadings, Turken Naked Neck chickens are just an interesting breed of chicken.
How many people can a half chicken serve?
With a half chicken you have 4 pieces: A great way to serve 2 people is that you split the breast in half so that each person gets half a breast and then a thigh or leg. To serve 3-4 people (with a larger bird) remove the breast and cut it into slices then remove the wing, thigh and leg. Plate it all and let everyone serve themselves.