Dindon Rouge

     The Dindon Rouge or the Dindon Rouge des Ardennes (literally means the ‘Red Turkey’) is a light Turkey breed from France. The bird was developed from light-colored turkey breeds brought to Flanders long time ago by the Spaniards. The Dindon Rouge is actually the most favorable turkey breed in France and for a long time it was a main royal dish or at least served on the best tables.

     The Dindon Rouge got standardized probably in 1850, following that, its number declined. Perhaps due to the fact that people started to adopt more productive breeds such as the White Holland. Later, the bird was almost extinct all over France but the Ardennes area, where around 50 birds got rescued and a breeding program started at 1985.

     The Dindon Rouge is a beautiful bird indeed, with its red or rust colors and white or tan flights and tail feathers. Not only that, but it also produces meat of excellent quality. Dindon Rouge hens are usually of a lighter color than toms, but not less beautiful for sure. Simply, these birds are suitable for the fanciers or those who seek utility birds. The Dindon Rouge bears a lot of similarities with the closely related Bourbon Red and Buff varieties, but its smaller and almost restricted to France.