Norfolk Black Turkey Breed: Characteristics, Origin, Size, Uses, Price, Breeding, and Lifespan

The Norfolk Black, also referred to as the Black Spanish or Black Turkey, is a fascinating breed of domestic turkey that originated in Europe. This majestic bird has captivated both farmers and poultry enthusiasts for its unique characteristics and striking appearance. By raising these turkeys, you are preserving a piece of agricultural heritage while also supporting local biodiversity.

Norfolk Black Turkey Breed

Norfolk Black Turkey Profile

Breed Name	Norfolk Black Turkey
Place of Origin	Europe
Norfolk Black Turkey Size	Male – 8.2–11.4 kg, Females – 5.0–6.8 kg
Norfolk Black Turkey Color	Black
Lifespan	5 to 7 years
Climate Tolerance	Variety
Care Level	Easy
Production	Meat and eggs

Characteristics

The Norfolk Black Turkey breed is known for its unique and distinctive characteristics. With its glossy black feathers and red wattles, it certainly stands out among other turkey breeds. These turkeys have a broad chest and a long, slender neck that gives them an elegant appearance. Another distinguishing characteristic of the Norfolk Black Turkey breed is its excellent meat quality. The Norfolk Black Turkeys produce succulent and flavorful meat. Furthermore, these turkeys have good foraging abilities, allowing them to find their food if given access to pasture or range areas.

Temperament

When turkeys are stressed or agitated, it can negatively impact their health and productivity. By choosing a breed like the Norfolk Black with a naturally calm temperament, you’re creating an environment where they can thrive. Additionally, the friendly demeanor of Norfolk Black turkeys makes them enjoyable to interact with. Whether you’re raising them as pets or as part of your farmyard flock, these birds are known for their social behavior.

They will often approach humans without fear and may even seek out attention. Turkeys that are easily spooked or prone to aggression can pose safety concerns not only for themselves but also for those working around them. The pleasant temperament exhibited by Norfolk Black turkeys sets them apart from other poultry breeds. Their calm nature not only enhances their quality of life but also makes them more enjoyable companions on your homestead or farm.

Origin and History

The Black turkey has a fascinating heritage that can be traced back to Europe in the 1500s. It all began when explorers returned home from their expeditions, bringing with them Mexican turkeys. These Mexican turkeys were then crossbred with local European turkey breeds, giving rise to the Norfolk Black. The introduction of these Mexican turkeys brought new characteristics and traits to the European turkey population. The resulting breed had a distinctive black plumage, which earned it the name “Black Spanish” in some regions.

Over time, this breed became known as the Norfolk Black due to its popularity in Norfolk County, England. The Norfolk Blacks gained recognition not just for their striking appearance but also for their flavor and meat quality. Farmers realized that these birds had excellent taste and tenderness compared to other turkey breeds available at the time. Today, raising Norfolk Black turkeys continues to be significant for both farmers and consumers alike.

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Size and Weight

The males, also known as toms, can reach an impressive weight range of 8.2–11.4 kg (18-25 lbs). On the other hand, the females, or hens, have a more modest weight range of 5.0–6.8 kg (11-15 lbs). The size and weight of these turkeys contribute to their popularity among turkey enthusiasts and farmers alike. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that raising larger turkeys requires proper care and management practices. They need sufficient space for exercise and must be fed a good diet suitable for their growth.

Uses

The Norfolk Black Turkey breed has a variety of uses, making it a versatile choice for turkey enthusiasts. One of the main uses is for meat production. The Norfolk Black is known for its flavorful and tender meat, making it highly sought after by chefs and food lovers alike. Another use of the Norfolk Black Turkey breed is as show birds.

With their stunning black feathers and elegant appearance, Norfolk Blacks make excellent exhibition birds in poultry shows. Norfolk Blacks can be used as breeding stock to preserve the heritage qualities of this rare breed. By carefully selecting individuals that meet breed standards, farmers can contribute to maintaining the genetic diversity within the population.

Price Range

The price of Norfolk Black turkeys can vary depending on their weight when they are ready to be cooked. On average, you should expect the Norfolk Black turkey price to be between £55 and £65 for a bird weighing around 10-12 lbs. This is quite reasonable when compared to the prices of free-range turkeys at quality supermarkets. When purchasing a turkey, it’s important to consider the quality and taste that comes with raising a Norfolk Black. Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from other breeds and makes them an excellent choice for holiday feasts or special occasions.

Lifespan

The lifespan of the Norfolk Black turkey breed is an important factor to consider when deciding to raise these magnificent birds. On average, they can live for about 5 to 7 years, although some have been known to live even longer with proper care and management. During their lifespan, Norfolk Blacks go through different stages of development and growth.

Care and Management

Proper housing conditions also play a significant role in extending these birds’ lifespans. Providing adequate space, ventilation, cleanliness, and protection from predators will contribute to their overall well-being. These birds require a suitable living environment that includes proper housing, nutrition, and regular veterinary care. Norfolk Black turkeys need a spacious area that allows them to move around comfortably. They should be given a high-quality commercial turkey feed supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, access to clean water at all times is vital. Veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the turkeys’ health status and identify any potential issues early on. Vaccinations should be provided as recommended by professionals to prevent common diseases. Providing proper care and management practices will contribute greatly towards maintaining healthy Norfolk Black turkeys that thrive in your farming operation.

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Breeding and Reproduction

The process begins with selecting healthy, high-quality breeding stock. It’s important to choose birds that exhibit the desired characteristics of the Norfolk Black Turkey breed, such as solid black plumage and a sturdy build. To ensure successful reproduction, it’s recommended to have one male turkey for every six to eight females. This ratio allows for optimal fertility rates and reduces aggression between males during mating season.

During the Turkey breeding season, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring, the male turkeys will display elaborate courtship behavior to attract the females. This can include puffing up their feathers, strutting in front of the hens, and making deep gobbling sounds. Once a successful mating has occurred, female Norfolk Blacks will lay eggs over several weeks. These cream-colored eggs are speckled with brown spots and are typically laid in secluded nest sites chosen by the Norfolk Black Turkey hen.

After approximately 28 days of incubation, depending on environmental conditions, adorable poults (baby turkeys) will hatch from the eggs. These younglings require warmth and protection from predators during their vulnerable early days. As they grow older, proper nutrition is crucial for their development into strong adults. A balanced diet consisting of grains, greens, insects, and access to fresh water should be provided throughout their growth stages.

Norfolk Black Turkey Egg Production

The cream-colored Norfolk Black Turkey eggs speckled with brown marks are not only beautiful but also abundant throughout the season—from February until September—with around 70 eggs laid per year by each hen.

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Conclusion

Raising the Norfolk Black Turkey Breed comes with many benefits that make it an attractive choice for poultry enthusiasts. They can withstand many weather conditions, making them suitable for different climates across the globe. This resilience ensures they thrive in both free-range environments and confinement systems.

Note: The images presented in this post are intended solely for representation purposes. The images are meant to serve as visual aids and should not be relied upon as accurate representations of their real-life counterparts.

Norfolk Black Turkey Breed: Characteristics, Origin, Size, Uses, Price, Breeding, and Lifespan