Narragansett

Raise Narragansett turkeys to combine heritage meat quality with breed conservation. Toms reach 18-23 lbs and hens 12-16 lbs over 24-28 weeks. Developed in Rhode Island in the 1700s from crosses between domestic turkeys and wild Eastern turkeys, this breed is classified as threatened by The Livestock Conservancy with fewer than 1,000 breeding birds in North America.

Why It Works

Narragansetts are among the hardiest heritage breeds, tolerating cold climates well and resisting common poultry diseases more effectively than commercial varieties. Their calm disposition makes them easy to manage in small backyard flocks, and hens are excellent natural mothers with strong brooding instincts. The meat is noted for its rich, complex flavor and fine-grained texture.

Tips

• Provide at least 100 sq ft of pasture per bird since they are active foragers that supplement their diet with insects and greens
• Keep detailed breeding records to maintain genetic diversity given the small population size
• Start poults on 28% protein game bird starter for 8 weeks before transitioning to 20% grower
• Contact The Livestock Conservancy or heritage turkey breeders for quality breeding stock