PORTERFIELD EXOTICS
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Blue Slate Turkeys |
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PORTERFIELD EXOTICS
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The Slate colored turkey is a naturally occurring genetic mutation where the
dark pigment of the black has been diluted. This color mutation is
also seen in numerous breeds of chickens. The true Blue Slate Turkey
is an ashy blue color with small black flecks, this is not a true breeding
breed and when bred back together will produce Slate, Self Blue (AKA
Lavender) and Black offspring. When breeding Self Blue to Slate no
Blacks will result. Most breeders breed a Self Blue Tom to Slate hens
for a mix of Self Blue and Slate offspring. You can also breed Self
Blue and Black and only Slates will result. Slates were accepted as a
breed by the APA in 1874 in spite of it's inconsistent breeding issues.
Once a popular food bird the use of this bird as a food bird has diminished
and selection for size and feed conversion has diminished as well.
Many Slates are smaller than the breed standard calls for and are kept
primarily as ornamental birds. With the popularity of this breed
making a comeback in the heritage food market it is expected this breed will
once again return to it's more practical food bird standards. We have kept Slates in the past and I consider them one of my favorite turkeys. Recently we have purchased a small group of Slate poults and are preparing to purchase additional birds from other sources as well. We hope to have a small breeding flock of Slate birds ready for a low level of production by the 2009 breeding season. |
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