Transylvanian Naked Necks (Turkens)

Transylvanian Naked Necks (Turkens)
US$5.50

The Transylvania Naked Neck (often called the Turken) is a unique heritage dual-purpose breed famous for its completely featherless neck and vent area, caused by a naturally occurring dominant gene mutation. Originating in Hungary and later refined in Transylvania, their unusual appearance often leads people to mistake them for a turkey-chicken hybrid, though they are 100% chicken.

Key Traits & Profile

  • Physical Appearance: Features a feather-free neck and throat caused by a naturally occurring dominant gene (Na). The bare skin turns bright red when exposed to sunlight. They have about 50% fewer feathers overall than standard chickens.

  • Purpose: Dual-purpose (meat and egg production). Hens lay around 180–200 medium-to-large brown eggs per year.

  • Weight: Standard roosters average around 8.5 lbs (3.9 kg), while hens average 6.5 lbs (3 kg).

  • Heat Tolerance: Exceptionally heat-tolerant because reduced feather coverage makes body heat dissipation much easier.

  • Temperament: Calm, friendly, quiet, and easily tamed, making them popular for backyard flocks despite their unusual appearance.

  • Ease of Processing: Plucking is significantly faster and easier due to having roughly half the feather count of typical breeds.