Turkey Breeds for Fletching

[Greebe]

Hey guys.

We are raising chickens and I was thinking of adding a few turkeys for meat this spring, and wondered if there is a specific turkey that would also have good feathers for fletching.

Also how many useful feathers can you get off of one turkey?

Thanks
Greebe

[JoJoDapyro]

I buy wing feathers from a guy who raises Spanish Turkeys. He clips their wings so they don't fly around the neighborhood and cause problems.

[Grasshopper Mouse]

I don't think the breed itself matters but if you go for one of the heritage breeds you can get some pretty incredible feathers.

Guy

[Pat B]

Any feathers about 4" or over can be used for fletching of one style or another.

[JW_Halverson]

You get 10 primaries, about 14 secondaries per wing and something like 18 tail feathers. 

Some folks refuse to use anything but primaries.  Ande some of us bare shaft test our arrows until it only takes the least bit of fletch to get 'em spinning. I am happy to use secondaries and tails, personally.

[adb]

Primaries do work the best, that's for sure. IMHO, wild turkey feathers are the best! Lots of guys willing to trade them right here on this forum.

[dylanholderman]

if your chickens are free range and have a healthy diet you can probably get usable fletching from them too.