Black Spanish Turkey

Black Spanish Turkey

The Black Spanish Turkey is a rare heritage breed, recognized in the American Standard of Perfection since 1874. This breed dates back to the 1500s, when explorers transported Mexican turkeys to Europe, and later reintroduced them to the Americas. Known for their natural ability to reproduce, these turkeys grow from lighter-feathered poults into adults with mostly black feathers accented by subtle brown undertones.

Order Black Spanish Turkey poults to bring a piece of history to your farm, and feel free to reach out if you’d like more information about this unique heritage breed.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Black Spanish Turkey is named for its black plumage, which has a metallic sheen. The feathers of this breed can range from deep black to a glossy, iridescent dark green or purple. The shining feathers are one of the breed's most striking features, making it a visually appealing addition to any farm. The male (tom) has more intense black plumage compared to the female (hen), with a more pronounced metallic sheen.
  
  

• Body Type: The Black Spanish Turkey has a medium to large body, which is compact, yet well-proportioned. While it is smaller than commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White, it still has a broad chest and deep body, making it suitable for meat production. These turkeys are robust and sturdy, with strong legs and a well-muscled frame, contributing to their excellent meat yield.
  
  

• Head and Beak: The Black Spanish Turkey has a distinctive head with a long snood (the fleshy protuberance hanging over the beak) that is often red. The snood can elongate during mating displays. The wattles under the beak are also red and add to the bird's striking appearance. The beak is small and sharp, suited for foraging and feeding.
  
  

• Legs and Feet: The legs of the Black Spanish Turkey are yellow and strong, designed to support the bird's body. The feet are sturdy, allowing the turkey to move with ease. Like most turkey breeds, the Black Spanish Turkey has three toes on each foot, helping it maintain balance.
  
  

• Tail: The tail of the Black Spanish Turkey is one of its most elegant features. It is fan-shaped and wide, with long feathers that are darker than the body. The tail feathers often have a metallic sheen, contributing to the bird's regal and graceful appearance. This fan-shaped tail is one of the breed's most recognizable traits.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Docile: The Black Spanish Turkey is known for its calm and docile temperament. It is less flighty than some other turkey breeds and can be easily managed by poultry keepers. These turkeys are gentle and tolerant of human interaction, making them a good choice for small farms, homesteads, or families with children.
  
  

• Curious and Intelligent: The Black Spanish Turkey is naturally curious and intelligent. They enjoy foraging for food and exploring their environment. While not as active as some other heritage breeds, they are still capable of roaming freely in a secure environment. Their foraging instincts allow them to be excellent free-range birds.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: These turkeys thrive in free-range environments where they can roam, explore, and forage for food. Their calm demeanor makes them easy to manage in larger spaces, although they should still be protected from predators, especially at night. Their ability to forage for insects, seeds, and plants makes them well-suited for natural farming practices.
  
  

• Not Aggressive: The Black Spanish Turkey is generally non-aggressive and gets along well with other poultry. This breed is not known to be territorial, which makes them a good fit in a mixed flock with other turkeys or poultry species.
  
  

Meat Production:

• Moderate Size: The Black Spanish Turkey is a medium-sized turkey, with males (toms) typically weighing between 15 to 25 pounds and females (hens) weighing around 8 to 12 pounds. While not as large as commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White, they still provide a good yield of tender and flavorful meat.
  
  

• Flavorful Meat: The meat from Black Spanish Turkeys is prized for its rich, traditional turkey flavor, which is considered more flavorful and tender than that of mass-produced turkeys. The breast meat is lean and juicy, while the dark meat has a richer taste. The Black Spanish Turkey is often preferred for its superior taste compared to commercial breeds.
  
  

• Slow Growth Rate: As a heritage breed, Black Spanish Turkeys grow more slowly than commercial breeds. They typically reach slaughter weight in about 24 to 28 weeks, allowing them to develop a fuller flavor. This slower growth rate is one of the reasons their meat is considered superior in taste, although it may make them less efficient for large-scale commercial production.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Black Spanish Turkey is a hardy breed, known for its ability to adapt to different climates. They are generally resilient in both warm and cold conditions. Their ability to forage and thrive in natural environments makes them a great option for small farms or homesteads that embrace traditional farming practices.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: Black Spanish Turkeys are relatively low-maintenance. They do not require special diets or care, and they thrive on a diet of grains, fresh vegetables, and access to natural forage. Like all poultry, they should be checked regularly for parasites like mites or lice, and their living area should be kept clean.
  
  

• Health Considerations: As with any turkey breed, Black Spanish Turkeys can be prone to leg weakness and other health problems due to their size and genetics. Proper management of their diet, space, and activity level can help mitigate these issues. They are also susceptible to common poultry diseases like blackhead and coccidiosis, so maintaining a clean environment and providing proper care is important.
  
  

Housing:

• Adequate Space: The Black Spanish Turkey requires adequate space to move around and forage. If kept in a coop, they should have access to a spacious outdoor area where they can roam freely. These turkeys are best suited for free-range conditions where they can exhibit natural behaviors.
  
  

• Protection from Predators: Since the Black Spanish Turkey is calm and docile, it can be vulnerable to predators. A secure, well-constructed coop with high fencing is essential to protect them from common poultry predators, such as raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey.

What is a Black Spanish Turkey?
A rare, heritage breed of turkey recognized in the American Standard of Perfection.

Where did the Black Spanish Turkey originate?
It traces back to Mexican turkeys brought to Europe in the 1500s and later reintroduced to the Americas.

Is the Black Spanish Turkey a naturally reproducing breed?
Yes, they can reproduce naturally, unlike some modern turkey breeds.

What does Black Spanish Turkey feathering look like as they mature?
They start with lighter feathers as poults, becoming mostly black with subtle brown accents as adults.

Where can I purchase Black Spanish Turkey poults?
Available through select heritage breeders—order to add a rare breed to your flock!

Black Spanish Turkey Facts