Turken Chicken

The Turken, also known as the Transylvanian Naked Neck, was first bred in Hungary and later perfected in Germany. Contrary to what some folks believe, the Naked Neck is 100% chicken—it is not a cross between a turkey and a chicken. It’s from this misconception, however, that its name, “turken" (sometimes spelled “turkin") has been derived. National Geographic has referred to it as a "churkey."

Several color varieties of the Naked Neck breed have been recognized by the American Poultry Association since 1965. The Standard of Perfection recognizes Buff, Red, and White for the large Turkens in the Miscellaneous or Continental class. But like most breeds, different colors and patterns exist. There are Turkens with both single combs and rose combs, although the Standard of Perfection only recognizes single combs. In Australia, a breed of the Naked Necks has pea combs and lays blue or green eggs.