Black Slate Turkey

Black Slate Turkey

The Black Slate Turkey from Chicken Coop Company features mostly black feathers, with occasional white and slate grey feathers. When young, poults may have some white feathers that typically molt to mostly black by 6 months of age. These turkeys are excellent for free-ranging and offer great value for those seeking a hardy, affordable option.

Our Black Slate Turkey poults come from our flock of Slate turkeys, which produce three distinct color patterns: blue splash, blue, and black. Breeding patterns are fascinating: pairing splash slate with splash slate results in all splash (ash blue with small black spots). Blue slate to blue slate produces a mix of blue splash, blue, and black offspring, while blue to black yields only blues and blacks. Black to black generally results in all black poults.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Black Slate Turkey is known for its dark, slate-blue plumage that has a deep, almost metallic black sheen. The color is smooth and uniform across most of the bird's body, with the metallic sheen giving it a distinctive, elegant appearance. The coloration is one of the breed’s most appealing traits, as it shimmers in sunlight, creating an iridescent effect.
  
  

• Body Type: The Black Slate Turkey has a medium to large body that is both muscular and compact, making it ideal for meat production. While it is not as large as commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White, it is still well-proportioned with a broad chest and a sturdy build. The breed’s strong frame supports a significant amount of tender, flavorful meat, especially from the breast.
  
  

• Head and Beak: The Black Slate Turkey has a large head with a prominent snood (the fleshy protuberance that hangs over the beak), which is red and elongates during mating displays. The wattles are also red and hang down from the sides of the neck. The beak is small and sharp, well-suited for foraging and feeding.
  
  

• Legs and Feet: The legs of the Black Slate Turkey are yellow, strong, and muscular, which helps support its large body. The feet are sturdy and well-formed, enabling the bird to move around easily. They have three toes on each foot, characteristic of many turkey breeds.
  
  

• Tail: The tail of the Black Slate Turkey is one of its most striking features. It is fan-shaped, large, and often features iridescent feathers with darker tones that contrast beautifully against the bird's slate-blue body. The tail feathers are long and elegant, adding to the bird’s overall graceful appearance.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Friendly: The Black Slate Turkey is known for its calm and friendly temperament. This breed is generally less aggressive and more docile compared to some other turkey breeds. They are easy to handle and are good with children and families, making them an excellent choice for homesteads and small farms.
  
  

• Curious and Intelligent: Like other heritage breeds, the Black Slate Turkey is intelligent and curious. They enjoy exploring their surroundings, foraging for insects, seeds, and plants. Their inquisitive nature makes them well-suited for free-range farming, where they can roam and engage in natural behaviors.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: These turkeys thrive in free-range environments, where they can roam and forage for food. Their calm temperament and natural foraging instincts make them ideal for larger spaces. However, they should still be protected from predators, as they can be more vulnerable due to their docile nature.
  
  

• Not Highly Aggressive: The Black Slate Turkey is generally peaceful and does not tend to show aggression toward other birds or animals. They are good with other poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and even other turkey breeds.
  
  

Meat Production:

• Moderate Size: The Black Slate Turkey is a medium-sized breed, with males (toms) weighing between 18 to 30 pounds and females (hens) weighing between 8 to 14 pounds. While not as large as some commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White, the Black Slate Turkey still offers a substantial amount of high-quality meat.
  
  

• Flavorful Meat: The meat of the Black Slate Turkey is known for its rich, traditional turkey flavor, which is often described as being more flavorful and tender than that of commercial turkeys. The breast meat is lean and juicy, and the dark meat is flavorful and tender. Many people who raise heritage turkeys prefer the flavor of Black Slate Turkey meat over the milder taste of mass-produced breeds.
  
  

• Slow Growth Rate: Like other heritage breeds, Black Slate Turkeys grow more slowly compared to commercial breeds. They typically take about 24 to 28 weeks to reach slaughter weight, which contributes to the rich flavor of the meat. The slower growth rate means these turkeys are better suited for small farms or homesteads rather than large-scale commercial production.

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Black Slate Turkey is a hardy breed that is generally resistant to many of the health issues that plague more commercial turkey breeds. They are adaptable to various climates, handling both cold and warm weather relatively well. They are less prone to the leg and heart problems that can affect larger, faster-growing breeds.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: The Black Slate Turkey requires relatively low-maintenance care. They do not require special diets or conditions and thrive on a well-balanced diet that includes grains, fresh vegetables, and access to forage. Regular health checks for parasites, such as mites or lice, are essential for maintaining their well-being.
  
  

• Vigilant to Health Issues: Like all turkeys, the Black Slate Turkey should be monitored for common health issues such as blackhead and coccidiosis. Ensuring a clean living environment, fresh water, and proper nutrition will help prevent these issues from arising.

Housing:

• Adequate Space: The Black Slate Turkey is best suited for free-range farming, where it can roam and forage for food. They also do well in larger pens or coops, as long as they have enough space to move freely. They should be provided with shelter from extreme weather conditions and a secure space to protect them from predators.
  
  

• Protection from Predators: Due to their calm and docile nature, Black Slate Turkeys can be vulnerable to predators, particularly during the night. A secure shelter with high fencing is necessary to keep them safe. It's important to ensure that their living space is well-protected from common poultry predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey.

What color feathers do Black Slate Turkeys have?
Mostly black, with some white or slate grey feathers.

Will young Black Slate poults keep their white feathers?
No, most white feathers molt to black by around 6 months.

Are Black Slate Turkeys good for free-range?
Yes, they are excellent for free-ranging.

What color patterns do Slate Turkeys produce?
Slate Turkeys produce three colors: blue splash, blue, and black.

Where can I buy Black Slate Turkey poults?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—order now for prompt delivery!

Black Slate Turkey Facts