Black Spanish Turkey

The Black Spanish turkey, also known as the Norfolk Black, is a heritage breed with a rich history and distinctive characteristics.

Breed Overview

• Origin: Descended from Mexican turkeys brought to Europe in the 1500s by Spanish explorers. These birds were later reintroduced to the Americas by early colonists.
• Recognition: Admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.
• Status: Considered a rare heritage breed and listed as threatened by conservation organizations.

🪶 Physical Characteristics

• Plumage: Lustrous, metallic black feathers with a greenish sheen.
• Head and Neck: Red, changing to bluish-white during display.
• Beak: Black.
• Shanks and Toes: Pink in adults.
• Eye Color: Dark brown.

⚖️ Size and Weight

• Toms (Males): Approximately 23–25 pounds.
• Hens (Females): Approximately 14–15 pounds.

🥚 Reproduction and Temperament

• Egg Production: Poor; eggs are off-white with brown specks and range from large to extra-large in size.
• Fertility Rate: Approximately 60–75%.
• Broodiness: Hens are known to be good setters.
• Temperament: Generally calm, hardy, and adaptable. They are social birds that do well in free-range environments, though they can be a bit more independent than some other breeds.

🍽️ Culinary Qualities

• Meat: Renowned for its rich flavor and fine texture, making it a premium choice for traditional dishes.

🌍 Conservation and Availability

• Conservation Status: Listed as threatened; efforts are ongoing to preserve the breed through dedicated breeding programs.
• Availability: Available through select heritage breeders and hatcheries.

The Black Spanish turkey is a testament to the rich agricultural history and biodiversity of domesticated poultry. Its unique characteristics and historical significance make it a valuable breed for conservation and heritage farming.