Narragansett Turkeys
The
Narragansett Turkeys is a heritage breed that, like most, was developed by crossing the Eastern Wild Turkey with domestic breeds brought to America by the colonists from England and other parts of Europe. Accepted into the APA in 1874, the
Narragansett Turkey was particularly influential in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, and was the foundation of the commercial turkey industry in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The
Narragansett Turkey is named for the Narragansett Bay of Rhode Island.
Though the popularity of the
Narragansett Turkey dwindled with the rise of the
Broad Breasted Commercial Breeds, a recent revival of sustainable agriculture and free range turkey production has helped the numbers of the
Narragansett Turkey recover in the 21st century.
These are excellent turkeys to raise in free range or backyard environments because their excellent foraging abilities and resourcefulness of eating crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects has made it less costly for farmers wishing to spend less money on supplemental feed. The
Narragansett Turkey is also enjoyed because of its calm disposition and excellent mothering capabilities. They mature more quickly than some other
Heritage Turkey Breeds, but still moderately slow compared to the
Broad Breasted Breeds. The good egg production and excellent meat qualities among its other utility traits make the
Narragansett Turkey an excellent choice to raise in large or small quantities on a large or small family farm.
