Heritage Black Turkey


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Our Heritage Black Turkey is a heritage breed, admitted to APA standard in 1874. It is one of the first to be developed from Native American stocks. In fact, it is believed to be the same breed the Pilgrims feasted on during their first Thanksgiving. This breed is well-suited for foraging, and we raise these special birds on a small family farm in North Carolina. They are processed by hand in our own plant, and like all of our Heritage birds, they are air chilled to preserve flavor, tenderness, and perfect texture.

Image of cooked Joyce Farms Heritage Black Turkey on white platter
Heritage Black Turkeys on green grass on pasture at the farm

Raised with Care on Family Farms

  • Raised Free-Range, with access to barn or pasture
  • Humane growing and processing practices
  • Traceable to small family farms in North Carolina

Raising Standards

We raise our Heritage Black Turkeys with old-world care and tradition on our small family farms using "never EVER" standards of purity.

No Antibiotics

NO ANTIBIOTICS

No Hormones or Steroids

NO HORMONES OR STEROIDS

No Animal By-Products

NO ANIMAL BY PRODUCTS

No Artificial Ingredients

NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS

The Best Lineage

Slow-growing breeds tend to be heartier and more disease resistant for free range life than commercial breeds.

Small Houses on Small Farms

Smaller poultry houses are required than in industrial farms, and houses per farm are limited to four.

Access to the Outside

Birds have access to outdoor pasture after about 10 weeks of age.

Slower Growing

After 20 weeks, birds are approximately half the size of commercial birds at the same age.

Smaller Flock in Every House

A maximum density requirement ensures birds are allowed plenty of space to roam freely in the houses.

The Cleanest Conditions

An extended sanitation period between flocks ensures houses are always clean and healthy environments for the birds.

Nearby Farms

To make sure birds are handled humanely and not dehydrated, they must travel no more than 64 miles to the processing plant.

Air Chilled

Birds are processed individually by hand and air chilled. They are never submerged in chlorinated water.

Heritage Black Turkeys are available for purchase through our website here. For wholesale information, reach out to our sales team here.