Where to Buy Chocolate Turkeys – A Rare Heritage Breed

The chocolate turkey is a rare, heritage breed of turkey with gorgeous brown plumage. If you’re interested in raising one of these unique birds, here’s what you need to know about how to find and purchase chocolate turkey poults or adults.

A Little About Chocolate Turkeys

Chocolate turkeys originated in France and the southern United States before the Civil War. They were prized for their rich chocolate-brown feathers and calm temperament. However their numbers were devastated during the war and never fully recovered. Today, chocolate turkeys are listed as critically endangered by The Livestock Conservancy.

These medium-sized heritage turkeys typically weigh around 14 pounds for hens and 23 pounds for toms. They are active foragers and produce nicely-sized eggs with good hatchability. Chocolate turkeys are slower growing than commercial breeds, reaching maturity in about 36 weeks. Their meat is flavorful with a firm texture.

Where to Buy Chocolate Turkey Poults

Finding chocolate turkey poults available for sale can be a challenge since so few breeders work with this rare variety. Here are some of the limited options:

• Murray McMurray Hatchery – This Iowa-based hatchery offers unsexed chocolate turkey poults available to ship from April through July They sell them in lots of 1-5 or 6+ poults,

• Meyer Hatchery – This hatchery provides chocolate poults generally available from April through June. They ship unsexed poults in minimum quantities of 3 or 6 birds.

• Cackle Hatchery – Cackle Hatchery hatches and sells chocolate poults periodically through their special order program. You’ll need to call for pricing and availability.

• Hoover’s Hatchery – Hoover’s sometimes has chocolate poults available on a limited basis through special orders placed in advance of the hatching season.

• Local Breeders – Connecting with local chocolate turkey breeders in your state through poultry groups and networks may reveal additional poult sources.

Where to Buy Adult Chocolate Turkeys

Searching for started chocolate turkeys that are sexed, mature breeding stock presents even more of an obstacle. Here are a few options for finding adult birds for sale:

• The Livestock Conservancy – Their turkey conservation priority breeders list includes contact info for breeders working with chocolates across the U.S.

• My Pet Chicken – This online chicken hatchery occasionally has limited quantities of adult chocolate turkeys for sale. Availability varies.

• eFowl – eFowl’s online classifieds section lets you search listings from turkey breeders. You may find chocolate adults, but little consistency.

• Backyard Poultry forums – Networking on forums focused on heritage breeds can sometimes turn up leads on adult chocolate turkeys.

• Poultry shows – Attending shows like those organized by the American Poultry Association provides the chance to connect with chocolate turkey breeders.

• Local farm ads – Check farm papers, Craigslist, Facebook groups, etc. for ads from those selling started chocolate turkeys in your area.

What to Expect to Pay for Chocolate Turkeys

Since chocolate turkeys are so rare, expect to pay a premium price for both poults and mature stock:

• Poults typically cost $15 – $20 each, with discounts sometimes offered for larger purchases.

• Mature hens may run $100 – $200+, depending on age and breeder reputation.

• Older breeder toms often sell for $200 – $350+.

• Started young turkeys around 6 months old tend to be priced between poults and fully mature breeders.

Tips for Buying Chocolate Turkeys

When sourcing chocolate turkeys, either as poults or adults, keep these tips in mind:

• Seek out experienced chocolate turkey breeders with quality reputation. Don’t compromise.

• Inquire about health, fertility, and temperament of any birds you purchase.

• Ask about proper care and feeding recommendations for the birds’ age.

• Ensure the seller provides guarantees in case of issues like poult mortality.

• Pick up birds when possible; otherwise review shipping methods and timing.

• Quarantine new arrivals for 30-45 days before introducing into your existing flock.

Is the Search Worth It?

Tracking down chocolate turkeys can take patience and diligence. But introducing this rare heritage breed into your flock is incredibly rewarding. Their striking appearance, calm nature, and rich flavor are well worth the effort to acquire them. So be persistent and don’t get discouraged—your ideal chocolate turkeys are out there!