Heritage Turkey Poults For Sale: Where To Buy

Nov 14, 2025 by Alex Braham 46 views

So, you're looking to raise some heritage turkey poults? Awesome choice, guys! Heritage turkeys are not only beautiful birds, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with agricultural history and enjoy some seriously delicious, naturally raised meat. Finding heritage turkey poults for sale can be an exciting adventure, but it requires a little research to ensure you're getting healthy birds from a reputable source. Let's dive into everything you need to know to find the perfect poults for your farm or homestead.

Why Choose Heritage Turkeys?

Before we jump into where to buy, let's quickly cover why heritage turkeys are so popular. Unlike broad-breasted commercial turkeys, heritage breeds retain their natural instincts, are better at foraging, and have a slower growth rate, which contributes to a richer, more flavorful meat. Plus, they can naturally reproduce, which is a huge bonus if you're planning on long-term turkey farming. Some of the most popular heritage breeds include:

Bourbon Red: Known for their beautiful reddish-brown plumage and docile temperament.
Narragansett: These turkeys are prized for their excellent foraging abilities and calm nature.
Black Spanish: A striking breed with black feathers and a reputation for hardiness.
White Holland: A classic breed with white feathers and a good temperament.
Bronze: These turkeys are known for their impressive size and bronze-colored sheen.

These breeds are more than just pretty faces; they represent a commitment to preserving genetic diversity in poultry and supporting sustainable farming practices. When you choose heritage turkeys, you're not just buying a bird; you're investing in a tradition.

Where to Find Heritage Turkey Poults for Sale

Alright, let's get down to business. Where can you actually find heritage turkey poults for sale? Here are some of the best places to look:

1. Local Breeders and Farms

Local breeders are often the best place to start your search. They can provide you with valuable insights into the specific needs of their birds and offer ongoing support as you raise your poults. Finding local breeders allows you to see the parent stock, assess the living conditions, and ask questions about their breeding practices. To find local breeders, try:

Searching online directories: Websites like the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) and local poultry associations often have directories of breeders.
Attending local poultry swaps and fairs: These events are a great way to meet breeders in person and see their birds firsthand.
Asking for recommendations: Reach out to other farmers, homesteaders, or poultry enthusiasts in your area for referrals.

Buying from local breeders not only supports your community but also ensures that you're getting birds that are well-suited to your local climate and conditions. Plus, you'll have a direct line of communication with the breeder if you have any questions or concerns.

2. Hatcheries

Hatcheries are another option for purchasing heritage turkey poults, especially if you're looking for a specific breed or quantity. However, it's crucial to choose a reputable hatchery that prioritizes the health and well-being of its birds. Look for hatcheries that:

Participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP): This program helps ensure that birds are free from certain diseases.
Have a good reputation for customer service: Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from other poultry keepers.
Offer guarantees on the health and viability of their poults: This can provide peace of mind in case of any issues.

Some popular hatcheries that offer heritage turkey poults include:

Privett Hatchery: Known for their wide selection of breeds and commitment to quality.
McMurray Hatchery: A long-standing hatchery with a good reputation for healthy birds.
Cackle Hatchery: Offers a variety of heritage turkey breeds and other poultry.

Keep in mind that ordering from a hatchery often involves shipping, so be sure to consider the timing and potential stress on the poults during transit.

3. Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be a convenient way to find heritage turkey poults for sale. However, it's essential to exercise caution when buying from these platforms, as the quality and health of the birds can vary widely.

Check the seller's feedback and reviews: Look for sellers with a proven track record of selling healthy birds.
Ask questions about the seller's breeding practices: Find out how they care for their birds and what health precautions they take.
Request photos or videos of the poults: This can help you assess their health and condition before making a purchase.
Arrange to pick up the poults in person if possible: This allows you to inspect the birds before taking them home.

While online marketplaces can be a good option, it's crucial to do your due diligence to avoid scams or unhealthy birds.

What to Look for When Buying Heritage Turkey Poults

Okay, you've found a few potential sources for your heritage turkey poults. Now, what should you look for to ensure you're getting healthy, high-quality birds? Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Health and Vigor

A healthy poult should be active, alert, and free from any signs of illness. Look for the following:

Bright, clear eyes: Avoid poults with dull or watery eyes.
Clean vent: A pasted vent can indicate digestive issues.
Good leg and foot conformation: The poult should be able to stand and walk normally.
Healthy feathers: The feathers should be clean and well-formed.
Active behavior: The poult should be curious and responsive to its surroundings.

If possible, observe the poults for a few minutes to see how they interact with each other. Healthy poults will typically be active and playful.

2. Breed Standard

If you're interested in preserving a specific heritage breed, it's essential to choose poults that meet the breed standard. This refers to the ideal characteristics of the breed, such as plumage color, body shape, and size. You can find breed standards on the American Poultry Association (APA) website or in breed-specific books and resources. While minor variations are normal, poults that deviate significantly from the breed standard may not be suitable for breeding purposes.

3. Age and Size

Poults are typically sold at a few days to a few weeks old. Younger poults may be more susceptible to health problems, while older poults may be more expensive. Consider your experience level and resources when choosing the age of your poults. Also, make sure the poults are appropriately sized for their age. Runts or overly large poults may have underlying health issues.

4. Source Reputation

As mentioned earlier, the reputation of the breeder or hatchery is crucial. Choose a source that is known for producing healthy, high-quality birds and providing excellent customer service. Read online reviews, ask for recommendations, and don't be afraid to ask questions about their breeding practices.

Preparing for Your Heritage Turkey Poults

Before you bring your heritage turkey poults home, it's essential to have everything ready for their arrival. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

1. Brooder Setup

Poults need a warm, safe, and draft-free environment for the first few weeks of their lives. A brooder can be a simple cardboard box, a plastic tub, or a commercially available brooder. Make sure the brooder is:

Large enough: Provide at least 4 square feet of space per poult.
Well-ventilated: Ensure good airflow to prevent the buildup of ammonia.
Easy to clean: Choose a brooder that is easy to disinfect and maintain.

2. Heat Source

Poults need a supplemental heat source to stay warm, especially during the first few weeks. A heat lamp is a common choice, but be sure to use a ceramic heat emitter to reduce the risk of fire. Maintain a temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week, then gradually reduce the temperature by 5°F (3°C) each week until the poults are fully feathered.

3. Bedding

Choose a bedding material that is absorbent, dust-free, and easy to clean. Pine shavings are a popular choice, but avoid cedar shavings, as they can be harmful to poultry. Replace the bedding regularly to prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria.

4. Food and Water

Poults need a high-protein starter feed specifically formulated for turkeys. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Use shallow waterers to prevent the poults from drowning. You can also add electrolytes to the water to help them stay hydrated.

5. Enrichment

Poults are curious and active creatures, so provide them with enrichment items to keep them entertained. Some ideas include:

Small toys: Balls, bells, and other small toys can provide hours of entertainment.
Dust bath: Provide a shallow container filled with sand or dirt for dust bathing.
Perches: Poults enjoy perching, so provide them with small, low perches.

Bringing Your Heritage Turkey Poults Home

When you finally bring your heritage turkey poults home, handle them gently and place them in the brooder. Observe them closely for the first few days to ensure they are eating, drinking, and behaving normally. If you notice any signs of illness, isolate the affected poult and consult with a veterinarian or experienced poultry keeper.

Raising heritage turkeys can be a rewarding experience, providing you with delicious, naturally raised meat and a connection to agricultural history. By choosing healthy poults from a reputable source and providing them with proper care, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable turkey-raising journey. Happy turkey farming, folks!