Baby Blue Slate Turkey Poults

Shipping begins the end of March.  Turkey Poults are straight run only. 

History: Originating in Mexico 2000 years ago, Blue Slates were taken to Europe and then brought to the American Colonies. They were recognized as a standard breed in the U.S. in 1874. They come in three color phases: solid black, solid blue and blue flecked with black spots. Many times the birds are a combination of each phase coloring. These beautiful birds are of medium size and quite rare. 

As with most birds of a blue color, the breeding and selection necessary to produce Slate Blue turkeys can be a bit confusing. Unlike some varieties of chickens and ducks, though, the Slate Blue Turkey does breed true. In other words, a male and a female Slate Blue will produce Slate Blue Poults.

There is only one variety of Slate Blue Turkey, but with two genotypes. A Blue Slate may be one of three different colors:

Slate, which is also called a Splash - a solid, ashy blue with black spots scattered over the body
Blue - a lighter, solid, grayish-blue all over, with no black spots
Black - as you might expect - black all over

Like other heritage turkeys, the Blue Slate will be ready to process around 28 weeks. 

Colors: The Slate Blue should be either an ashy blue with black spots or a solid, lighter blue with no spots. Hens are generally lighter in color than toms. Shanks and toes are pink; the beak is a horn color; wattles are red, as is the head and throat. Many specimens have a blue area around the eye.

Livestock Conservancy Status: Watch.

Standard Weights: Old Tom 33 lbs, Old Hen 18 lbs, Young Tom 23 lbs, Young Hen 14 lbs