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Narragansett Turkey

The Narragansett is a New England heritage turkey: gray and tan body with bronze undertones, exceptional foragers, good mothers, hardy in cold. Pre-dates the more famous Bronze and Bourbon Red. FastPoultry takes free quote requests for Narragansett Turkey as day-old poults, started birds, adult birds, and breeder pairs and matches each one with NPIP-certified breeders within 1 business day.

About this breed

Quick facts: Narragansett Turkey

OriginNarragansett Bay, Rhode Island - 1600s
APA recognized1874
Conservation statusWatch
Adult weightToms 22-28 lb, Hens 14-17 lb (live)
Size classHeritage
Eggs per year~60
Egg colorCream with brown speckles
Egg sizeLarge
BroodinessHigh
Cold hardinessExcellent
Heat toleranceGood
Noise levelAverage
Flight tendencyStrong flier
Beginner friendlyYes

History & origin

One of the oldest American turkey breeds, named after Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Developed in the 1600s-1700s by crossing wild Eastern Turkey with imported English Norfolk Black turkeys. Dominant New England table bird through the 1800s. APA-recognized 1874. Nearly extinct by 1990; Heritage Turkey Foundation revived it. Now Watch status with growing breeder base.

Personality & temperament

calmforaginggood mothershardy

Best for: table bird, pasture, small farm, breeding

Husbandry & care

Indoor coop space10 sq ft per bird
Run space30 sq ft per bird
Roost bar15 in per bird

Space: One of the BEST foragers of any heritage turkey - half their feed comes from pasture.

Feeding: Turkey starter 28%, grower 22%, finisher 18%. Limited grain needed if pastured.

Health: Blackhead risk - separate from chickens.

Climate: Zones 3-7. New England winter origin - excellent cold hardiness.

Buying tips

  • Hens make excellent broody mothers - one hen can raise 10-15 poults on pasture.
  • Narragansetts grow slightly slower than Bourbon Red - butcher at 28-32 weeks.
  • Strong fliers - 6-foot fencing is the minimum.
  • Plumage similar to Bronze but with steel-gray base coat - confirm with photos before buying.

Did you know?

  • Predates the 1776 Declaration of Independence as an established American breed.
  • Best foraging heritage turkey - converts insects, weeds, and acorns more efficiently than commercial varieties.
  • Hens often go broody twice per season.
  • Named after the Narragansett Native American tribe of Rhode Island.

FAQs about Narragansett Turkey

Where can I buy a Narragansett Turkey?

You can request Narragansett Turkey through FastPoultry, which matches buyer requests with breeders. Choose from 4 request pages for day-old poults, started birds, adult birds, and breeder pairs, then tell us your quantity, preferred age, and delivery state in the form on this page. Matched breeder options arrive within 1 business day, and you arrange payment, pickup, or shipping directly with the breeder you choose.

How much does a Narragansett Turkey cost?

Prices for Narragansett Turkey are set by each breeder and change with season, line quality, age, and quantity, so FastPoultry does not publish a fixed price. Submitting a request is free. Matched breeders reply with current pricing, and you should ask whether the quote includes boxing, shipping, and vaccinations before you pay the breeder directly.

How many eggs does a Narragansett Turkey lay?

A Narragansett Turkey hen lays roughly 60 eggs a year, and the eggs are large and cream with brown speckles. Broodiness is rated high. Real production depends on strain, hen age, season, and daylight, so ask breeders about the laying record of their parent stock.

Is the Narragansett Turkey good for beginners?

Yes. The Narragansett Turkey is rated beginner friendly. Temperament: calm, foraging, good mothers, hardy; cold hardiness: excellent; heat tolerance: good; noise level: average. It is best for table bird, pasture, small farm, and breeding. Check local rules on roosters and flock size before you buy.

Can a Narragansett Turkey be shipped to my state?

The USDA NPIP state importation table (May 20, 2026) lists VS Form 9-3 as required for shipments into 44 of 50 states, and 31 states list a permit, approval number, or other entry requirement, so check your state's location page before you order. VS Form 9-3 is the NPIP report of sales that the shipping breeder completes, and some states add a permit number, a Pullorum-Typhoid or avian influenza clean-flock rule, or a health certificate. FastPoultry does not ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands through standard requests.

Related species

Which ages can you request?

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