Slate

Slate, often called Blue Slate, is an old American heritage turkey variety with blue-gray plumage that may range from pale lavender-slate to darker ashy blue with black speckling. The color comes from dilution genes acting on darker turkey plumage, which is why birds from the same breeding program may not all show exactly the same shade. A good Slate has the body and carriage of a traditional table turkey rather than the exaggerated build of industrial broad-breasted stock.

Flocks are kept for exhibition, heritage meat, and preservation breeding, and they tend to make sense for people who want turkeys that can forage and reproduce naturally. Color is one of the main breeding challenges; matings need to be planned if the goal is a consistent show shade rather than mixed black, blue, and light offspring. Like other medium to large heritage turkeys, Slates need sturdy low roosts, dry footing, and protection from predators, especially while poults are growing.

Colors: Black, Blue Slate, Bourbon Red, Bronze, Buff, Chocolate, Mottled, Narragansett, Penciled, Pied, Red Bronze, Royal Palm, Slate, White