Blue Slate turkeys for sale March to June. Named for its color. Weights are about 30 lbs. for Toms and 18 lbs. for hens. Not used commercially but popular for exhibition. The Slates, sometimes called Blues or Blue Slates, are related to the Blacks but they are less common and their actual development is more obscure. The color could have bee developed before European contact, in Europe, or in the U.S. The color is analogous to self blue or splash in chickens. It may have originally been produced by breeding blacks to whites or near white black sports. We have one variety with two genotypes. In fact, three, because when even-colored true blues (black X splash) are obtained, judges often favor them over splash, which is often marked with black, and self blue, which is generally very light despite the standard's preference for slatey or ashy birds. The Slate, or Blue Slate, is a breed of domestic turkey known for the slate gray color of its plumage. Lighter birds are sometimes called Lavender turkeys. Turkeys of the Slate breed may actually be any number of shades between pure black and white, but only ash-gray birds are eligible for showing under the directive of the American Poultry AssociationÆs æÆStandard of PerfectionÆÆ, in to which they admitted as a variety in 1874. Past breeding is thought to be derived from the Spanish Black Turkey of USA and the Norfolk Black in England. They come in three color phases: solid black, solid blue and blue flecked with black spots. Many times the birds are a combination of each phase coloring. These beautiful birds are of medium size and quite rare. Blue Slates range from as ashy blue with black flecks to a light gray, with some birds being black. With finish weights similar to Bourbon reds, these are a great choice for meat birds while adding color to your flock. The Slate or Blue Slate variety is named for its color, which is solid to ashy blue over the entire body, with or without a few black flecks. It is also called the Blue or Lavender turkey. Hens are lighter in hue than the toms. The head, throat, and wattles are red to bluish white. The beak is horn in color; the eyes are brown; and the beard is black. The shanks and toes are pink.
