American Black
American Black turkey refers to black-plumaged domestic turkeys of Meleagris gallopavo kept in United States heritage and exhibition flocks. The type overlaps with the historic Black, Spanish Black, and Norfolk Black traditions: birds carry dense black feathers that flash green in sunlight, a dark body, and the bare red, blue, and white head skin typical of turkeys. It is usually a medium to large heritage turkey rather than a modern broad-breasted industrial strain, although hatchery naming can vary.
Small farms keep American Black turkeys for traditional table birds, pasture flocks, and color-variety breeding. Their dark pinfeathers can show on a processed carcass, which is one reason white-feathered turkeys became dominant commercially; the tradeoff is a dark live bird with long farm history. Select breeding stock for width, fertility, straight legs, temperament, and an even green-black sheen. They do best with predator-safe roosting quarters, dry litter, clean water, and turkey-appropriate feed during growth; young poults are less forgiving of damp brooder conditions than chicks.
Colors: Black, Blue Slate, Bourbon Red, Bronze, Buff, Chocolate, Mottled, Narragansett, Penciled, Pied, Red Bronze, Royal Palm, Slate, White
