Blue Slate Turkey

Blue Slate Turkey

The Blue Slate Turkey is a rare heritage breed, recognized by the American Standard of Perfection since 1874. Believed to be derived from the Spanish Black Turkey in the USA and the Norfolk Black in England, the Blue Slate Turkey is an excellent choice for foraging in backyard and farm settings. This breed naturally reproduces and is known to go broody. At Chicken Coop Company, we offer Blue Slate poults in the "blue slate (splash)" and "blue" varieties.

Our breeding stock produces three color patterns: blue splash (ash blue with black dots), blue, and black. Breeding combinations yield interesting results: splash-to-splash produces all splash, blue-to-blue produces all three color patterns, blue-to-black produces blues and blacks, and black-to-black produces all black. You can also request specific black poults from the Blue Slate Turkey breed.

Appearance:

• Feather Color: The Blue Slate Turkey is known for its beautiful slate-blue plumage. The feathers have a unique, soft blue-gray color, often with a mix of lighter and darker tones, giving the bird a striking, almost iridescent appearance. The color can vary slightly, with some birds having a more silvery blue or deeper slate shades, but the overall effect is elegant and visually captivating.
  
  

• Body Type: The Blue Slate Turkey has a medium to large body, with a broad chest and deep body, which makes it suitable for meat production. While not as large as some commercial breeds like the Broad Breasted White, the Blue Slate Turkey is well-proportioned and strong. The breed has a sturdy build, with a graceful posture and a muscular frame that supports its rich flavor.
  
  

• Head and Beak: The Blue Slate Turkey has a large head with a prominent snood (the fleshy protuberance hanging over the beak), which is typical of male turkeys. The snood is often red and elongates during mating displays. The beak is small, sharp, and suited for foraging and pecking.
  
  

• Legs and Feet: The legs of the Blue Slate Turkey are yellow, strong, and sturdy, designed to support the bird’s body. The feet are well-formed, enabling the turkey to move easily, though their large size may make them less nimble than smaller turkey breeds.
  
  

• Tail: The Blue Slate Turkey has a fan-shaped tail that is large and graceful. The tail feathers are long, with some darker shades of blue, contributing to the bird's overall elegance. The tail is often one of the most eye-catching features of the bird.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Friendly: One of the standout traits of the Blue Slate Turkey is its calm and friendly temperament. These turkeys are generally docile and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for backyard flocks, homesteaders, and family farms. They are not as aggressive or flighty as some other turkey breeds and are often more tolerant of human interaction.
  
  

• Curious and Intelligent: The Blue Slate Turkey is an intelligent breed that enjoys exploring and foraging. They are naturally curious and will often roam around looking for insects, seeds, and plants. While they are not as active as some other heritage breeds, they enjoy free-ranging and have excellent foraging abilities.
  
  

• Good for Free-Range: These turkeys are well-suited for free-range environments, where they can forage for food and engage in natural behaviors. However, like all turkeys, they should be protected from predators, as their calm demeanor can make them more vulnerable to danger.
  
  

• Not Highly Aggressive: The Blue Slate Turkey is not typically aggressive, making them easy to manage in a mixed flock. They usually get along well with other poultry, including chickens, ducks, and other turkeys.
  
  

Meat Production:

• Moderate Size: The Blue Slate Turkey is not as large as some commercial turkey breeds, such as the Broad Breasted White, but it still provides a solid yield of meat. Males (toms) typically weigh between 18 to 25 pounds, while females (hens) weigh between 8 to 14 pounds. While smaller than commercial breeds, they still provide a good amount of tender meat.
  
  

• Flavorful Meat: The meat from Blue Slate Turkeys is prized for its rich, flavorful taste. It is leaner than the meat from commercial turkeys, with a firmer texture and a more distinct turkey flavor. Many people prefer the taste of heritage breed turkeys, including the Blue Slate, because of the richer, more traditional turkey flavor it offers.
  
  

• Slow Growth Rate: As a heritage breed, the Blue Slate Turkey has a slower growth rate than commercial turkeys. They generally reach slaughter weight in about 24 to 28 weeks. This slower growth contributes to their flavorful meat but makes them less efficient for commercial production compared to faster-growing breeds.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Adaptable: The Blue Slate Turkey is a hardy breed that adapts well to various climates. They are able to handle both cold and warm temperatures with proper care. Their hardy nature makes them a good choice for small farms, where they may be raised in more varied conditions.
  
  

• Low Maintenance: These turkeys are relatively low-maintenance compared to some commercial breeds. They do not require special feeding regimens and can thrive on a diet of grains, vegetables, and access to forage. Regular checks for parasites like mites and lice are important to ensure their health, but otherwise, they do well with basic care.
  
  

• Vigilant to Health Issues: Like all turkeys, the Blue Slate Turkey should be monitored for common poultry health issues such as coccidiosis, blackhead, and mites. Providing a clean, dry living space and ensuring they have access to clean water and food will help prevent most health problems.
  
  

Housing:

• Adequate Space: The Blue Slate Turkey requires adequate space to move around and forage. They are best suited for free-range environments but can also be kept in large pens with access to the outdoors. Their housing should be secure from predators, as they can be vulnerable due to their calm nature.
  
  

• Protection from Predators: Blue Slate Turkeys need to be protected from predators, especially during the night. A secure barn or coop with a sturdy fence is essential to keep them safe. They should also have access to shaded areas to protect them from the sun and harsh weather conditions.
  
  

Show and Ornamental Qualities:

• Poultry Shows: The Blue Slate Turkey is often entered in poultry shows, thanks to its striking appearance and graceful plumage. The bird’s blue-gray feathers, coupled with its calm demeanor, make it an excellent candidate for exhibition. It is particularly popular among heritage breed enthusiasts and those interested in preserving traditional poultry breeds.
  
  

• Ornamental Value: Due to its beautiful feather pattern and docile temperament, the Blue Slate Turkey is also raised as an ornamental bird. Its unique color and graceful build make it a stunning addition to any backyard flock. These turkeys are appreciated for both their aesthetic value and their role in providing high-quality meat.

What is a Blue Slate Turkey?
A rare heritage turkey breed with roots in the Spanish Black Turkey and Norfolk Black.

Is the Blue Slate Turkey a good choice for backyard farms?
Yes, it’s an excellent forager and adapts well to backyard and farm settings.

Does the Blue Slate Turkey reproduce naturally?
Yes, it reproduces naturally and the hens go broody.

What color varieties does the Blue Slate Turkey produce?
It produces blue splash, blue, and black color patterns.

Can I request specific colors of Blue Slate poults?
Yes, you can request "black" poults upon ordering.

Blue Slate Turkey Facts