Description
Narragansett Turkey
Breed Overview and Origin
The Narragansett Turkey is a rare heritage turkey known for its historic New England roots, active temperament, attractive plumage, and usefulness on backyard and farm properties. If you want a traditional turkey for a homestead, small farm, meat project, breeding flock, or exhibition pen, this variety is a strong choice.
This turkey was developed around Narragansett, Rhode Island, from European turkey strains and the American Wild Turkey. Its earlier bloodlines reach back as far as the 1600s, and the breed became one of the important historic turkey varieties in the United States.
Cackle Hatchery® offers Narragansett Turkey poults as part of its heritage turkey lineup. Cackle’s product page notes that this breed makes an excellent backyard and farm turkey and is very good with insect population control.
Appearance and Characteristics
Narragansetts have a beautiful traditional turkey appearance with gray, black, white, and bronze tones. Their coloring gives them a softer look than the darker Black Spanish or Black Slate varieties, while still keeping strong heritage turkey appeal.
This variety is active and useful for outdoor flock settings. Cackle’s Turkey Breeds List Comparison Chart lists Narragansetts as active birds used for egg laying, meat, and exhibition, with APA recognition and Threatened status through The Livestock Conservancy.
Because this is a heritage turkey, customers should expect a more traditional bird than a broad breasted production turkey. Heritage turkeys are generally better suited for natural movement, foraging, and breeding projects.
Rare Heritage Turkey Value
The Narragansett belongs in Cackle’s Heritage Turkeys category. Heritage turkeys are a good fit for customers who want traditional farm traits, natural reproduction, active foraging, and a longer-term flock option than broad breasted commercial turkeys.
This breed was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. That long-standing recognition adds value for customers interested in historic poultry, exhibition projects, or heritage breed preservation.
Cackle’s blog Heritage Breed: The Narragansett Turkey describes the breed as a “picture-perfect Pilgrim-era turkey” developed by early settlers from Norfolk Black turkeys brought from Europe and local wild turkeys.
Narragansett Turkey vs Bronze Heritage Standard Turkey
Narragansett and Bronze Heritage Standard Turkey varieties are both historic heritage turkeys with strong American roots. The main differences are color, origin story, and flock goals.
Choose Narragansett if you want a New England heritage turkey with Rhode Island history, active foraging ability, and strong insect-control value. Choose Bronze Heritage Standard if you want the classic bronze-colored heritage turkey that should not be confused with the Broad Breasted Bronze.
Both are good options for homesteads, family farms, meat, exhibition, and traditional flock management.
Narragansett Turkey vs Broad Breasted Turkeys
This heritage variety is very different from a broad breasted production turkey.
Choose Narragansett if you want a naturally active, traditional turkey for a farm or backyard setting. Choose a broad breasted turkey if your main goal is fast meat production and a commercial-style body type.
Cackle’s Heritage vs. Broad Breasted Turkeys explains the key differences between heritage and broad breasted turkeys, including growth, breeding, flavor, and cooking.
Backyard, Farm, and Insect Control Use
Narragansetts make excellent backyard and farm turkeys. Their active nature helps them cover ground, forage, and contribute to insect population control.
They still need good management. Provide secure nighttime shelter, predator protection, clean water, proper turkey feed, roosting space, and enough room to move. Cackle’s turkey comparison chart lists Narragansetts as active, with a suggested mating ratio of 7 females to 1 male and a roost height of 2+ feet.
For customers new to poults, Cackle’s How to Brood Turkey Poults and Starve-Out in Turkey Poults are helpful care resources to read before arrival.
Meat, Eggs, and Exhibition Value
Narragansetts can be used for meat, seasonal egg laying, and exhibition. However, customers should understand that turkeys are not high-production egg birds.
Cackle’s turkey comparison chart lists Narragansetts for egg laying, meat, and exhibition, while also rating egg production as poor compared with high-laying poultry.
For realistic egg expectations, Cackle’s How Many Eggs Does a Turkey Lay? is a good internal resource. It helps customers understand that turkey eggs are usually a seasonal benefit rather than the main reason to keep turkeys.
Breeding and Natural Reproduction
As a heritage turkey, the Narragansett is a strong option for customers interested in traditional breeding flocks. Heritage turkeys are generally capable of natural reproduction when properly managed, unlike broad breasted production turkeys that are selected primarily for fast meat growth.
Customers planning a breeding flock should pay attention to male-to-female ratios, bird condition, nutrition, and flock health. Cackle’s Turkey Mating Ratio for Good Fertility is the best internal resource to place here.
Keeping Turkeys With Chickens
Some customers want to raise turkeys and chickens together. This may work in some setups, but it requires caution because of blackhead disease risk.
Cackle’s Keeping Turkeys With Chickens is a helpful internal resource for customers considering a mixed poultry flock. For deeper disease information, customers should also read Blackhead in Turkeys Is a Serious Disease.
These links fit naturally in the care section because many backyard flock owners ask whether turkeys can live with chickens.
Sexing Turkey Poults
Turkey poults can be difficult to sex when young. Customers should not expect sexing to be as simple as it is with many chicken breeds.
Cackle’s Sexing Turkey Poults and Guinea Keets is a useful internal resource for customers who want to understand sexing expectations before ordering.
Shipping Note
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship turkeys to Hawaii. Keep this shipping note clear on the product page so customers can plan before ordering.
Availability changes by hatch date and season. Customers should check the Narragansett Turkey product page and Cackle’s Availability Chart before placing an order.
Is This Breed Right for Your Flock?
Choose this variety if you want:
A rare heritage turkey
A historic New England turkey breed
An active backyard or farm turkey
A bird that helps with insect population control
A turkey admitted to the Standard in 1874
A variety developed around Narragansett, Rhode Island
A traditional turkey for meat and exhibition
A heritage bird with American Wild Turkey ancestry
A turkey suited for homesteads and family farms
A breed to compare with Bronze Heritage, Bourbon Red, and Royal Palm turkeys
Overall, this is a great choice if you want a historic, active, useful heritage turkey with strong farm value. It is not the best fit for customers who want the fastest-growing broad breasted meat turkey, but it is excellent for homesteads, family farms, heritage poultry keepers, exhibition-minded customers, and anyone wanting a traditional turkey that can help around the property.
Customers still comparing turkey breeds can use Cackle’s Turkeys for Sale, Heritage Turkeys, or Turkey Breeds List Comparison Chart.
Breed History and Preservation
The Narragansett Turkey has a deep American history. It was developed around Narragansett, Rhode Island, from European strains and the American Wild Turkey during the 19th century, with earlier bloodlines reaching back to the 1600s.
Cackle’s Narragansett blog explains that early settlers developed the breed from Norfolk Black turkeys brought from Europe and local wild turkeys, and that the breed was named after Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.
Today, this variety remains important for customers who value rare poultry, traditional American breeds, natural farm usefulness, and heritage turkey preservation.
Recognition and Availability
The Narragansett was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Cackle Hatchery® sells Narragansett Turkey poults as part of its heritage turkey lineup.
Customers who like this variety may also want to compare Bronze Heritage Standard Turkey, Bourbon Red Turkey, Blue Slate Turkey, Black Slate Turkey, Black Spanish Turkey, Royal Palm Turkey, and Surplus Rare Turkey Special. Cackle’s surplus rare turkey special may include Bourbon Red, Royal Palm, Blue Slate, Black Slate, Narragansett, Bronze Heritage Standard, and Black Spanish turkeys depending on hatch availability.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like this variety, you may also want to compare Bronze Heritage Standard Turkey, Bourbon Red Turkey, Blue Slate Turkey, Black Slate Turkey, Black Spanish Turkey, Royal Palm Turkey, and Surplus Rare Turkey Special.
Helpful Cackle resources include Heritage Breed: The Narragansett Turkey, Starve-Out in Turkey Poults, How to Brood Turkey Poults, Turkey Mating Ratio for Good Fertility, Keeping Turkeys With Chickens, How Many Eggs Does a Turkey Lay?, Blackhead in Turkeys Is a Serious Disease, and Sexing Turkey Poults and Guinea Keets.
For browsing, use Turkeys for Sale, Heritage Turkeys, Turkey Bargain Specials, Turkey Breeds List Comparison Chart, and Availability Chart.
FAQ: Narragansett Turkey
What is a Narragansett Turkey?
It is a rare heritage turkey developed around Narragansett, Rhode Island, known for active farm use, attractive plumage, meat value, exhibition potential, and insect-control ability.
Where did this turkey originate?
It was developed from European turkey strains and the American Wild Turkey around Narragansett, Rhode Island.
How old are the breed’s bloodlines?
The breed’s earlier bloodlines reach back as far as the 1600s.
When was it admitted into the American Standard of Perfection?
It was admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874.
Is this a heritage turkey?
Yes. It is a rare heritage turkey and is listed in Cackle’s heritage turkey offerings.
Is it good for backyard and farm flocks?
Yes. Cackle’s product page notes that Narragansetts make excellent backyard and farm turkeys.
Does this breed help with insects?
Yes. The product copy notes that they are very good with insect population control, making them useful for outdoor farm and homestead settings.
Is this variety good for meat?
Yes. It can be raised for meat, although it is a heritage-style turkey rather than a fast-growing broad breasted production bird.
Is it good for exhibition?
Yes. Cackle’s turkey comparison chart lists Narragansetts for egg laying, meat, and exhibition.
Is this a good egg-laying turkey?
It may lay seasonal eggs, but turkey egg production is poor compared with high-laying poultry. Cackle’s comparison chart lists Narragansett egg production as poor.
How is it different from broad breasted turkeys?
This is a heritage turkey with traditional farm traits and active behavior. Broad breasted turkeys are primarily bred for fast meat production and a commercial-style body.
Are turkey poults hard to brood?
Turkey poults need careful early care. Cackle’s Starve-Out in Turkey Poults and How to Brood Turkey Poults are helpful starter resources.
Can turkeys live with chickens?
Sometimes, but blackhead disease is the main concern. Customers should read Cackle’s Keeping Turkeys With Chickens and Blackhead in Turkeys Is a Serious Disease before mixing flocks.
Can you sex turkey poults?
Turkey poults can be difficult to sex when young. Cackle’s Sexing Turkey Poults and Guinea Keets is a helpful resource for expectations.
Can Cackle Hatchery® ship turkeys to Hawaii?
No. Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship turkeys to Hawaii.
Does Cackle Hatchery® sell this variety as poults?
Yes. Cackle sells Narragansett Turkey poults.
Where can I check availability?
Check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart and the product page for current hatch and shipping options.
Jeffrey Bryant (verified owner) –
We got the order in May of 2024 and am very pleased with it. I ordered 4 Narragansetts as a birthday/Christmas gift for my son-in-law and Cackle Hatchery sent 5. We lost one poult 2 days after they arrived and a second one 2 months later. We have the 3 left (2 toms and a hen) that are doing fine. They are curious birds. They follow us around and when someone drives up to the house they go out to greet them. We do live out in the woods but they stay around the house and in the pasture with the chickens and ducks. They are very beautiful turkeys. I do plan to order at least 5 more in 2025. The Narragansett turkeys are so much prettier than the photos. Thank you Cackle Hatchery
Sarah B –
So friendly!
We ordered three of these and received them late spring early summer. One of them died about a week and a half after receiving them. The other two, one Tom and one hen, were amazing together! They were both very friendly and would follow you anywhere. Our Tom was attacked by a skunk and was killed. So now we are left with the hen, which we have now named Lulu, And she is just going to be a pet. She is such a good girl And is very personable. If we’re out on the swing she’ll come and sit on my knee, she follows you around kind of like a dog! Her temperament’s really good and the only issues we’ve had with her are with one of our ducks. And it’s just the one duck she doesn’t seem to like that one duck lol. look forward to getting more next year!
Steve –
Very happy
I received 10 Narragansett turkeys as part of a larger order. All of the poults arrived healthy and have grown into nice young adult turkeys. Thank you Cackle hatchery!
Hedge Rose Farm –
Beautiful birds!
This is our second time ordering Narragansett’s from Cackle. Both times we’ve been very happy with the outcome. They are healthy, curious birds that grow up to be friendly and vigorous adults. Looking forward to eating this years batch and ordering another batch in the spring!
Jazz –
Sweet and Beautiful Bird
We bought this breed of turkey as it was a heritage breed. They were very sweet and beautiful. Unfortunately, they did not survive, not their fault, a mean goose took one out at a time. We will never raise baby turkeys with baby geese. Not a good mix!
TNMamee –
Wonderful birds!
We received 8 Narragansett turkeys in June. One died at about 6 weeks of age, which for turkeys isn’t bad. The other 7, turned out we had 4 toms and 3 hens, are all healthy and happy. We completely free range and wanted to find a breed that stayed closer to home (we have had blue slate and bourbon bronze in the past). Obviously the birds haven’t been old enough to breed yet, but they are staying closer to the ‘homestead hub’. Our goal is to raise fowl that will reproduce well on their own. We will be processing 3 toms this holiday, carrying the hens and one tom Into Spring. We are very pleased with their size, their health and their disposition. Turkeys are a delightful addition to any home, and this breed is my favorite! I highly recommend! We have been thrilled with the stock and service from Crackle hatchery and use them exclusively as do the rest of our family.
Nicole –
Healthy turkeys
Turkeys arrived in great condition. We have had great success with these birds. We have been very happy. The birds are beautiful,,healthy and friendly.
1851Hobbyfarm –
Friendly Birds
I ended up with 3 female Narragansett Turkeys from my order last summer. Its perfect to go with my Royal Palm Tom’s. I can’t believe how friendly they are! I free range all of my birds and those 3 always hang out together and will come check out whatever we are doing outside. They also like to “help” and run off with our tools! They prefer to roost in my big maple tree instead of the coop. This is their first winter so they may change their minds. I am in WI!
MelissaMiko –
Healthy, Strong & Beautiful
All my turkeys came happy and healthy! My Narragansetts are just pets, but they have grown fast and strong and have THE BEST personalities.
awhytemare –
Great for Free-ranging
I have had heritage breeds in the past and made the mistake of trimming their wings and trying to keep them contained and safe inside an enclosure. Bad idea! I lost them all the predators (we live in suburban New England). This year I got Narragansetts and Broad-Breasted poults, the BB were gobbled up by critters the week they got too big to roost in the trees. Like all turkey youngsters they found some stupid ways to die early on, but as adults they are tough as nails and seem to want to hang around us. However, make sure you keep their feed trough filled, or they might travel to neighbors looking for food.
Satisfied Customer –
Wonderful Birds
These Narragansett turkeys are beautiful and have wonderful temperaments. They are gentle, pleasant, and absolutely gorgeous. Gobbler has a great gobble and the hens talk to each other without being annoying. Great birds and definitely recommend for your farm flock.
Patti (verified owner) –
Owner/Individual
Great birds, they are friendly and personable, I also got some Royal Palms, but the Narragansetts are by far my favorite. Many compliments from exhibitors at the poultry show that I took them to in November.
Brian –
Didn’t get what I ordered
I was happy with the quality of the birds I received. I had ordered 3 different type of Heritage birds 4 months earlier,, Two weeks before I received them they called me and said they didn’t have anymore of the breads I wanted… Big Disappointment…
Concerned –
Didn’t get what I ordered
Happy with the quality of the birds I did receive. Ordered the birds 4 months in advance, two weeks before I was suppose to get them they contacted me and said they were unable to send me the
Please type of Heritage birds I had ordered, big disappointment.
Gtvaldez (verified owner) –
Excellent heritage bird
I purchased our first round of ‘gansetts couple years ago for specifically raising to slaughter for Thanksgiving. Excellent flavor and size was really good for 7 months. This time we ordered to become sustainable. Hoping for a good breeding situation come spring. 3 Male and 2 female will make it interesting. They are sweet, docile, curious, beautiful birds to work with. I highly recommend this breed if working around children. My littles are treated with respect by the males and have never shown aggression.
JDsanja –
There was an issue with hatch date
We ordered Narragansett turkeys early in the year, but the day we were to pick them up we were informed that the eggs had not hatched as expected. The hatchery was so nice! They let us pick from other breeds and we wound up with 1 Blue Slate and the rest Red Bourbons. We did lose some along the way but the ones left are healthy, strong, and fun!
Julia –
Happy healthy turkeys
I would like to say how happy I am with my 2 week old Narragansett turkey I got when I ordered the weekly special. We got two of them along with a lot of royal palms and some bouben reds. They are all very lively chick but the Narragansetts are the most personable and my favorites so far.
Stuart Alabama June 2009 –
To whom it may concern
As a followup to my previous email, I received a call from Sandy in customer service on Monday June 22, 2009 stating that Cackle Hatchery was resending my order on Wednesday June 24, 2009. This morning i received all of my chicks in a healthy vigorous state. For this I say Thank You!! Being in construction, I understand when things occur beyond our control, things are unseen and mistakes are made, When this occurs it is the followup that makes all of the difference to the customer. Well this followup has made all of the difference to me. This has made, in my eyes, Cackle Hatchery a superior company that I will certainly look to for my future orders. Once again…. Thank You for a job that started off rocky but ended up well done!!!