Heritage breed turkeys achieve smaller weights and have a longer grow-out period, but for small farms that prefer to raise birds in an outdoor setting, these hardy breeds are ideal. They are also more resistant to disease than commercial varieties and excellent at foraging.

The flavor profile of heritage turkeys is another highly desirable trait, with many consumers praising these breeds for their rich and gamey flavor. They have an approximate 50:50 white to dark meat ratio, compared to commercial breeds that are about 70:30. Additionally, some consumers prefer the manageability and shorter cooking times of a smaller bird, making this a profitable option for those selling to specialty markets.

Our heritage birds are domesticated turkeys that retain some of the natural instincts and characteristics of their wild ancestors. With a strong desire to forage and roam, they thrive as free-range or pastured poultry. We highly recommend raising these birds in outdoor settings.

If you desire a pet turkey to add to your farm, our heritage breeds have long lifespans and can be raised for companionship. These birds naturally mate like they do in the wild, offering the opportunity to start a self-sufficient homestead.


Certain heritage breeds do not breed true, but the Standard Bronze turkey does reliably produce offspring with identical traits. Commercial turkeys can only reproduce via artificial insemination, so they are not suitable for a self-sufficient farms or homesteads.

Heritage breed turkeys are often listed on the livestock conservancy watch list, as they are not being bred or raised as often as other breeds. In some cases, there are only a few hundred of these turkeys in breeder flocks. Adding these rare turkey breeds to your flock can help sustain and preserve these special birds. 

Browse our heritage turkey poults for sale to find the perfect addition to your farm.