The Dindon de Sologne Black Turkey is a rare and beautiful bird with deep black feathers and tender, flavorful meat. These turkeys are among the rarest turkey breeds and have been mainly replaced by breeds better suited to large-scale farming. However, there is still a market for this breed because of their high-quality meat.
Quick Facts About Sologne Black Turkey
Breed Name:
Sologne Black; Dindon de Sologne Black
Place of Origin:
France
Uses:
Meat
Gobbler (Male) Size:
Up to 26 lbs
Hen (Female) Size:
Up to 15 lbs
Color:
Black
Lifespan:
10 Years
Climate Tolerance:
Hardy
Care Level:
Moderate
Production:
Up to 26 lb carcass
Sologne Black Turkey Origins
The Sologne Black Turkey originated in the Sologne region of France, where it was bred to be a free-range turkey with flavorful meat. These black turkeys may have ancestry from American Bronze turkeys. Because these turkeys were free-range and good foragers, flocks could be raised with minimal supervision. Often, young children became the primary carers of flocks.
The Sologne Black is a heavy, short breed that stands low to the ground. It is covered with tight black feathers that may have bronze reflections on the saddle, silvery highlights on the tail, and blue-black legs. Males are much larger than females, weighing up to 26 pounds, while hens usually weigh around 15 pounds. These turkeys are hardy and can survive in a variety of climates, but they are best adapted to climates similar to Sologne, France, with temperate weather and sandy soil.
Uses
The Sologne Black Turkey is primarily raised for its high-quality white meat, which is a luxury product. They take around 6 months or slightly longer to grow to their ideal size, and male turkeys are larger than females. Because they are a rare bird used as a luxury product, most turkeys of this breed are free-range and carefully tended to ensure health.
Appearance & Varieties
The Sologne Black is one of several closely related French Black Turkey breeds. The other types of turkeys that are related to the Sologne Black are the Bourbonnais, Bresse/Normandy, and Gers varieties. Bourbonnais turkeys are smaller and slenderer than Sologne turkeys, while Bresse/Normandy turkeys are very stocky and do well in humid climates. The Gers turkey is the largest of the French Black turkeys, coming in at just slightly larger than the Sologne. Each variety is adapted to the region of France where it originated. The Sologne stands out from the others because of the quality of its meat.
The Dindon de Sologne Black is native to the Sologne region of France and is most commonly found in that region still. They survive in a variety of climates and are fairly resistant to cold weather and seasonal changes. It is unknown if any Sologne Black Turkeys have been imported to the United States.
Are Sologne Black Turkeys Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Sologne Black Turkeys are hard to come by, but they make a good addition to many small farms. Because they are raised with an emphasis on quality over scale, a small flock can be a valuable investment for a small farm. These turkeys have traditionally been raised as free-range foragers that do well in small flocks. This makes them a great choice for independent or backyard farmers hoping to make an income from a small flock.
