I have two blue turkey males, a light grey colour with
faint white markings. They are very beautiful, and I'd
like to know more about this breed of turkey. I'm told
it is a new breed, and rare, is this true? How long
do they live? Are they a cross between what other
breeds of turkeys? What are their special characteristics? Any information would be much appreciated. Are they a recognised breed?

Hello,
The breed you are closest to describing is called Slate. They are not considered to be rare, and the white markings you say they have would be considered a defect, however black would not. What I mean when I say black is not large portions just blotches the latter would be a disqualification. Crossings to produce them originally, I am unsure of. If you want specific charectaristics, I would be happy to email the A.P.A's standard weights and colors. Just email me for this info. Yes the are a A.P.A recognized breed.

I have seen pictures of Slate turkeys, and they are a much darker grey than the Blue turkeys I've got. The Blues are a very light grey, and none have a trace of black markings. Maybe the blue turkeys are a breed new to Australia only? Thank you for your reply, I wonder if the blue turkeys are a mix of Slate and something else?

I am told that if you want to retain the slate blue colour in your slate blue turkeys , as with chickens that you have to breed them with a black once in awhile to retain the blue.with this cross you should get blues blacks and splash.If you continue to breed blue to blue they will fade which is probably what has happened with your currant blues.

I think you may have a breed called Lilac. I have never seen them but I was told they are beautiful. THey are a pastel color with a slight purple tint to the feathering. Maybe with some white but I'm not sure about the white. I have never come across pictures of them . They are a medium size turkey. What size are yours ?

Found this posting on "blue" turkeys while browsing through the Coop. Thought I would pass on information related to a discussion list and web site that focues on these unusual color varieties of turkeys. The list is interested in the historical farmstead turkeys.. not the broad breasted varieties so common today. You will find dicussion and information related to turkey varieties such as: blue slate, lilac, chocolate, jersey buff, bourbon red, auburn, sweetgrass, white midgets, and more. If interested, check out:

RareHeritageTurkey@onelist.com and

http://www.freeyellow.com/members6/rare-heritage-turkey/index.html

Hope you find it interesting.

Gerry Snapp