Description
The Black Spanish is considered a rare breed of turkey, a heritage turkey and admitted into the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. This breed can be traced back to when explorers in the 1500’s carried this Mexican turkey to Europe and then later carried it back to the Americas. They are also one of the naturally reproducing breeds of turkeys.
As poults they will have lighter feathering and as they grow into adults they become mostly black with some brown coloring in the back ground of the black feathering.
We cannot ship turkeys to Hawaii.
Check out our blog “Keeping Turkeys with Chickens”
Sabrina –
Great Service !
I had a shipping date of May 4th and there was some major storms that day at the hatchery , even took off part of the roof . I ordered 5 of the Black Spanish and received 6 happy healthy LOUD babies on 5/6/2020
CoJoe Farm –
good hardy breed of turkey
This breed of turkey has a tendency to be small when slaughtered (six to twelve pounds at 20 weeks). However the taste of the flesh makes up for the size. They are a very hardy breed. If you are looking for a smaller turkey for those customers who do not want excess on Thanksgiving this is a breed to look at. The only negative is the black pigment in the pin feathers has a tendency to discolor the skin (causing black spots) when they are removed. I have found informing my customers about this eliminates their discomfort. I have numerous customers who specifically ask for this turkey because of its size and flavor.
Fr William (verified owner) –
Never knew
I had ordered four but received six. ( thank you ) they eat like you wouldn’t believe! We have two toms and four hens. They were meant to be thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. But they are like puppies they follow you around and make beautiful noises if they like you. The male will raise and puff out his feathers and strut around if you tell him how beautiful he is. I guess we will get our turkeys from the grocery store! It would be difficult to take any of these. At least for now. These are beautiful birds to raise the do eat a lot but if you free range then they do find things to eat. They also sound the alarm if a predator is nearby and our chicks respond to those warnings! They will eat out of your hand but they are not gentle about it. We clipped their wings to keep them in our pasture they are very curious and loving birds. If we get enough from raising them we will release them into the wild.
Wendy –
Beautiful, healthy and friendly
Pouts arrived early and very strong. They are several months old now and are beautiful. Calm and friendly and have acclimated well to our farm. We love them. Hands down our favorite type of turkey.
Dave –
Received all males in a straight run.
Same as above
Pix –
So much character!
The 4 poults arrived healthy and sturdy. They were so fun to watch grow up, as they have the most inquisitive and friendly natures. They are turning greenish-iridescent on the tips of their feathers (except one Tom whose feather tips have turned buff- not traditional, but really lovely!) The only downside is that you can only order them straight run, and unfortunately we ended up with one hen and three toms. I’ve gotten so attached to them, I can’t bear to kill any of them. So, on the lookout for a new home for at least one, if not two of them. But that is always the case when mail ordering turkeys, and in no way reflects on Cackle.
Gordon –
Great Birds
I love my Spanish black turkeys. They are beautiful, friendly, intelligent, and sometimes silly birds and they often follow me around my farm. They get along very well with my chickens too. They actually give the alert for hawks before my rooster even notices them. My intentions were to raise them for meat but I’ve since pardoned them as they behave like pets. Besides, they’re excellent for insect control.
The poults arrived in excellent condition and only one of the 6 I purchased failed to thrive. I will definitely buy from cackle hatchery again as I’d like to have examples of all the heritage turkey breeds on my farm. One thing is for certain though, I will always have Spanish turkeys in my flock.
Keith the Okie –
Black Spanish
these turkeys are very friendly and easy to raise, we cant wait to get more of them.
Don –
Great birds
Only lost two birds, they are great pets and some taste good too! Out of 15 straight run we got 6 toms. Thanks to helpful suggestions from Cackle about care of new birds they did very well. They come to me when called.
THANK YOU CACKLE
Amy –
Love them!
I got my first Spanish as a birthday gift. My mom had got it with a bunch of chicks from the store in Lebanon. I knew it was different and special the moment I saw its little penguin looking face. I eventually learned it was a turkey and that it was a Spanish female. I watched a few Youtube videos to learn how to spot a male and went back to get her a mate. I now have two of the most beautiful turkeys I have ever seen. I walk out my door and im always amazed at how sweet, funny and beautiful these birds are. Definitely was happy with my first two turkeys. I plan on getting more.
Melvin –
Nice, healthy chicks
Our poults arrived earlier than expected, which was a nice surprise. They all made it safely and thank you for the extra chick. They were a little wobbly but perked up quiclkly with some warm sugar water. They are all healthy and doing well. Thank you!
Larry –
Nice poults
I picked up my order of Black Spanish from the post office yesterday morning. I opened the box and was happy to see that all of the birds made it during shipping and were spry and alert. The extra birds was a nice bonus. This was my first order with Cackle Hatchery and won’t be my last. Thanks folks.
Rhonda, Montana May 2013 –
Cackle Hatchery
The chicks, turkeys and duckling arrived in great shape as usual. I continue to be impressed with the quality and care given us by Cackle Hatchery. This year we couldn’t decide what we wanted. The Hatchery Surprise exceeded our expectations. You truly are a great company and it is a pleasure doing business with you. Thanks again