Narragansett Turkey - Characteristics

Characteristics

The Narragansett has plumage with black, gray, tan, and white feathers. It resembles the Bronze Turkey but has feathers of gray or dull black replacing the Bronze Turkey's distinctive coppery coloring. The Narragansett sometimes has bars of white feathers on its wings due to a genetic mutation not found outside the United States. It has a black beard, a horn-colored beak, and a mostly featherless head and neck which range in color from red to blueish white.

The breed is prized for its excellent temperament combining a calm disposition with good maternal abilities. They mature early, are good egg producers, have excellent quality meat, and "when kept at liberty, (it) doesn't wander too far from home". Improved over generations through selective breeding, young Narragansett Turkey toms weigh 22-28 pounds and hens weigh 12-16 pounds. They can run quickly, fly well, and prefer to spend their nights roosting in trees.