Not all chicken breeds thrive on all homesteads, but this group of dual-purpose birds typically does very well in a small-farm situation.
Brooding one species of bird by another—a chicken by a turkey, for example—is possible, though you need to be mindful and success isn't guaranteed.
How long does a chicken live? If cared for properly, chickens can have a lifespan of a decade or more, producing eggs for much of that time.
Holidays and special dinners are just better with homegrown turkey on the table, but keep these things in mind when considering getting heritage turkeys of your own.
