16/05/2025
The Slate turkey, also known as the Blue Slate turkey, is a domestic breed known for its unique slate-gray to bluish plumage. It's considered a heritage breed, meaning it is a traditional variety bred for qualities like hardiness, natural mating ability, and slower growth.Slate turkeys are relatively rare and are listed as a threatened breed by the Livestock Conservancy. They're popular among small farmers and backyard poultry keepers for their beauty and utility.The Slate turkey exhibits a range of color varieties primarily based on genetic variations in feather pigmentation and if the base color is black or bronze. The main color varieties associated with the Slate turkey include:
1. Blue Slate (Standard):(Black based)
The most recognized variety.
Plumage is a solid bluish-gray color across the body.
This coloration is due to one copy of the "blue" dilution gene.
2. Splash or Lavender Slate:(Black Based)
Light bluish or whitish body with black or dark spots (mottled appearance).
Comes from two copies of the "blue" dilution gene.
This variety is sometimes called self-blue or splash blue.
3. Black Slate/Norfolk Black:(Black Based)
Appears almost entirely black.
Result of two copies of the non-diluted (black) gene.
4.Lilac Turkey(Bronze Based)
Color: Soft bluish-lavender with some bronze or pinkish tones.
Rare; looks like a mix between lavender and red slate.
5.Red Slate Turkey (Bronze based)
Color: Light gray with reddish or rusty highlights.
Looks like a Slate turkey with red/brown mixed in.
Less common than pure Slate.
5. Blue Red Bronze Turkey(Bronze Based)
Color: Bronze body with blue and red highlights.
Shiny, colorful, and quite eye-catching.
One of the rarest color patterns.