The black slate turkey is a heritage breed of turkey in New England. They tend to be very docile and friendly and easy to care for. The black slate turkey has a very high rate of survival, which also makes them easy for beginners to raise.
Slate turkeys are known for their extremely dark feathering on their breast, making them stand out from other heritage turkey breeds. Due to their black color, they also make excellent display birds.
How to identify black slate turkey?
The turkey is much smaller than the typical commercial heritage breeds for meat production.
The turkey has a dark, almost black plumage on its breast. The back and wings are a lighter color than the breast but still darker than other heritage breeds.
Black slate turkeys can be sexed visually because males have a more iridescent color on their feathers than females. Some males also have small spurs on their legs that are occasionally noticeable in flight or walking.
Behavioral characteristics of The black slate turkey
The black slate is an exceptional flight bird. They have a very high flight potential and can sustain flight at 25–30 mph.
Black slates are generally docile and make very good pets, especially those interested in showing their birds or exhibiting them in poultry shows.
Black slate turkeys are not as active as other breeds and spend most of their time sitting on roosts, perches, or the ground.
The appearance
Black slates have short tails, a small head, and a comb. They also have a slightly down-turned bill. The skin around their eyes is much thinner than other heritage breeds, but they are still usually on the larger side of their size class.
How to raise black slate turkey?
Black slate turkeys will reach maturity at 8 weeks of age and will begin laying around 6 months later. They will lay around 3-5 eggs per week.
Black slates are used for meat production, not egg production, and in the winter, they will go into semi-hibernation. On warm winter days, they will become active and feed like normal.
Uses
Black slates are used for both meat and show birds. Black slate turkeys can be very difficult to sex with because males have a more iridescent color on their feathers than females.
Some males also have small spurs on their legs that are occasionally noticeable in flight or walking. Contrary to popular belief, black slate turkeys do not produce very high oil during their molt.
Breeding
Black slates are difficult to breed, with many eggs being unfertilized. Black slate turkeys do not usually have a high hatch rate.
Breeding black slate turkeys generally require a high level of skill because the birds are difficult to breed with one another.
Black slate turkeys can be sexed visually because males have a more iridescent color on their feathers than females. Some males also have small spurs on their legs that are occasionally noticeable in flight or walking.
Color
Black slate has a dark, almost black plumage on its breast. The back and wings are a lighter color than the breast but still darker than other heritage breeds.
Feed
Black slate should be fed a high-quality formulated poultry feed. They have a slow growth rate, and so are best-fed table scraps such as sprouted grain and cracked corn.
Black slate turkeys can be directly exposed to sunlight, so they should not be stored in lighted areas with other birds.
Special Considerations
Black slates are non-migrating birds and can be traditionally kept in confinement. The turkeys can be difficult to breed, with many eggs being unfertilized.
Black slate should not be allowed to get wet because they lack the protective oils other breeds possess.
The black slate that does get wet should always be dried off and given high-quality feed immediately after exposure to water. However, review the full profile of the turkey in the following table.
Best 10 Information
| Breed NameBlack slateOther NamePecan, Blue Slate, LavenderClimate ToleranceCold Hardiness Zone: 5-10Body TypeLarge, Broad BreastedFeeding Types/RationsPoultry Feed, ScrapsBreed ColorsBlack, Slate, Blue SlateTemperamentQuiet, Graceful, FriendlyBreed Size (Outdoor)MediumRarityCommonAs PetsYesLifespan8-10 yearsDietHerbivore |
What Color Eggs Do Black Slate Turkeys Lay?
Black slate lay white eggs colored with brown or black eggs.
When Does A Black Slate Turkey Get To Its Full Size?
The hatching rate for Black Slate is around 65%. The Incubation period for Black slate turkey is 28 days. Black slate turkeys live up to 10 years in captivity.
These turkeys are expected to mature in 4-5 months and reach an average weight of 11 pounds.
Are Black Slate Turkeys Friendly?
The black slate turkeys are known to be friendly to humans. It is best to keep the turkeys in outdoor pens or coops and only allow them into the home during very cold weather.
Do Turkey Eggs Taste The Same As Chicken Eggs?
The chicken eggs taste different from the turkey eggs. The black slate turkey eggs taste different from other colored turkey eggs.
Is It Cheaper To Buy A Black Slate Turkey?
Black slates are the cheapest of all commercial turkeys but still cost double the price of a chicken. Black Slate turkeys can be kept in confinement and are rarely used for commercial egg production.
Are Black Slate turkeys good eating?
The black slate makes good eating. They are an excellent source of food that tastes similar to chicken in many ways.
The meat is dark, almost black, and has a slight flavor similar to chicken. The turkey’s skin is very thin and pliable, and tender meat.
Here are The Best 10 Farming Benefits
Farming Benefits Of Black Slate Turkeys Of Black Slate Turkeys
1. Black Slates are extremely docile.
2. The Black Slate can be kept in confinement.
3. Black slate can be reared during cold weather.
4. Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes them to overheat and, therefore, should not be housed in illuminated areas with other birds.
5. The Black Slate has a very high rate of survival.
6. Black Slates are very easy to breed and, therefore, are an ideal breed for beginner poultry farmers.
7. Black Slate turkeys are hypoallergenic for humans.
8. Black Slate does not overheat during sustained periods of sunlight exposure.
9. Adult birds can be easily separated from the eggs for hatching to avoid cannibalism and excessive losses caused by cannibalism during the rearing of chicks in pens or cages (for egg production).
10. Black Slate turkeys are active and alert. The black slate is a heritage breed of turkey in New England. They tend to be very docile and friendly and easy to care for.
The black slate has a very high rate of survival, which also makes them easy for beginners to raise.
Black slate turkeys are known for their extremely dark feathering on their breast, making them stand out from other heritage turkey breeds. Due to their black color, they also make excellent display birds.
Special Notes
Black slate turkeys are not good for egg production because their fertility rate is below average. They can be used for meat production and make excellent pets.
Conclusion
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