Blue turkey: breed description and characteristics of slate birds, breeding

Blue turkeys are an interesting and distinctive breed. They are often referred to as slates. These birds were bred relatively recently. Most often they are bred for decorative purposes. Therefore, such birds are rarely found on farms. To succeed in raising these birds, they need to provide complete and high-quality care. Equally important is a balanced diet.

Origin

This breed was bred by American breeders, and this happened by accident. Scientists conducted research on 2 genotypes of birds with black and white feathers.As a result, the chicks had an ashy shade of plumage. Slate asp has a similar color. Stones come in different shades - from black to gray-blue. Therefore, turkeys with blue feathers are often called slates.

The breed was described in 1874. It was then that the bird was introduced to the public. It has been recognized by the American Poultry Association and the European Community. Officially, the birds were called blue, lavender or blue slate.

Unfortunately, the economic crisis has led to the fact that few farmers have decided to breed birds with colorful feathers. Entrepreneurs relied on obtaining eggs and meat, rather than on decorative poultry farming.

Therefore, slate turkeys were undeservedly forgotten. Today, the number of these animals is not numerous. Birds are mainly found in zoos or in small private farms that control the purity of the breed.

Characteristics and description of the breed

Detailed description of the birds is recorded in the documentation of the American Quality Standard. It provides information on all types of turkeys that are bred in Europe and the USA.

Blue turkeys are characterized by the following properties:

1. Feathers have blue, lavender or ash blue feathers. Such individuals are able to take part in competitions. Sometimes birds are distinguished by black or white accents combined with a blue background.
2. Birds are characterized by a small head. At the same time, there is a rare fluff on the skin. The cover is distinguished by color shades - white, blue, red. There is a pink horn on the head. The eyes are brown and the beak is light.
3. The neck is not covered with feathers. In this area there are bright red folds. They form corals.
4. The metatarsus is covered with pink scales.
5. Feathers are thick and fluffy. They make the body look bigger. The back and chest are distinguished by a blue tint. At the same time, it is lighter on the belly and tail. Tail feathers often contain light or dark elements.
6. Females weigh 6.3 kilograms, males 10.5. Individuals belong to the light cross.
7. Puberty in these birds occurs at 8-9 months.
8. To get offspring, families are created from young birds. At the same time, there should be a maximum of 8 females per 1 male.
9. Eggs are covered with a creamy shell. At the same time, their weight is 75 grams.
10. The duration of the incubation period is 28-30 days.
11. Turkey poults are distinguished by gray feathers. Their weight is 50 grams. Cubs are characterized by rapid weight gain.
12. The productive mass of birds increases by 8 months.

American farmers claim that birds are considered very undemanding to the conditions of detention.This species of turkeys is characterized by a high degree of resistance to the influence of stress factors. They practically do not show aggression. Emotionality is more characteristic of males. However, they show aggression or anxiety only when danger approaches.

Blue turkey meat is characterized by excellent taste, but the carcass does not always look attractive because it is covered with gray skin.

Pros and cons of blue turkeys

Pros and conshigh growth rates;excellent parameters of meat productivity;excellent endurance;strong immune system;resilience;simple adaptation to climatic conditions.

At the same time, blue turkeys have certain disadvantages. They are considered to be quite fussy about their conditions and need a balanced diet.

How to keep and care for a bird

Slate turkeys can easily withstand the cold. However, they feel much better when warm. It is important that the house is kept dry. Therefore, moisture should not be allowed to penetrate into the housing of turkeys. It is worth placing a bedding on the floor, which is recommended to be changed systematically.

Of no small importance is the observation of chicks that have just hatched. On the first day, they should be kept warm and dry. For this purpose, it is permissible to use a cardboard box. The temperature in the box should be +36 degrees.

It is recommended to equip the room for slate turkeys in accordance with certain rules. On 1 square meter of area it is permissible to place a maximum of 2 individuals. The temperature regime is of great importance. In winter, it should be at least +5 degrees, in summer - +20.

Meeting plan

Blue turkeys need a balanced menu. It is best to buy special food for them. However, if necessary, it is permissible to feed the birds with cereals, grass and certain types of vegetables. In spring and summer, turkeys should be walked. This will help them find their own food.

Breeding rules

To get blue turkeys, you have to buy a parent flock. It is not worth buying fertilized eggs, because it is not always possible to get the desired result. Females of this breed are characterized by a pronounced maternal instinct. A laying hen is capable of incubating 20 eggs. However, most often they put no more than 17.

Diseases of slate turkeys

When in contact with other animals, blue turkeys often get sick. They suffer from the following pathologies:

• respiratory mycoplasmosis - associated with high humidity in the poultry house;
• tuberculosis is considered a dangerous pathology that spreads through contaminated food and water;
• histomonosis - accompanied by weakness and loss of appetite and is due to insufficiently high-quality disinfection of the premises.

Blue turkeys are distinguished by an interesting color of feathers. They have many advantages, but they need special conditions of detention. To be successful in breeding birds, they need to provide quality care.

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