The Narragansett is a heritage [[Turkeys|turkey]] breed developed in New England during the 18th and 19th centuries, named after Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. The breed was the foundation of the commercial turkey industry in New England before being displaced by the Broad Breasted Bronze and later the Broad Breasted White. Narragansetts are known for their calm temperament, good cold hardiness, and excellent foraging ability.
The Narragansett turkey was developed in the Narragansett Bay region of Rhode Island and Massachusetts from crosses of the wild eastern turkey with domesticated turkeys brought from Europe. The breed was developed and refined over more than a century by New England farmers who selected for size, meat quality, and cold hardiness.
By the 19th century, the Narragansett was the dominant turkey breed in New England and was widely raised for the Thanksgiving market. The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. The Narragansett's population declined dramatically in the early 20th century as the Bronze turkey, which was larger and faster-growing, became the standard commercial breed. The Livestock Conservancy lists the Narragansett as a threatened breed.
Narragansett turkeys have striking black, gray, tan, and white plumage with a metallic sheen. The feathers are a steel gray with a white band and a black edge, producing a pattern distinct from the Standard Bronze. The tail is white with a wide black bar near the tip. Toms weigh 28 to 36 pounds (12 to 16 kilograms), and hens weigh 14 to 18 pounds (6 to 8 kilograms).
The breed is calm and easy to handle compared to the more flighty heritage turkey breeds. Narragansetts are excellent foragers, capable of obtaining a significant portion of their diet from pasture. The breed is cold-hardy and adapted to the northern climate where it was developed. Hens are reliable broodies and good mothers. The breed reaches market weight in 24 to 28 weeks.
Narragansett turkeys are raised for meat on homesteads and small farms, particularly in northern climates where their cold tolerance is an advantage. The meat is flavorful with a good balance of light and dark meat. The breed's calm temperament makes it easier to manage than the more active heritage breeds.
The Narragansett's ability to mate naturally and raise its own poults makes it suitable for self-sustaining flocks. The breed's calm nature also makes it a good choice for homesteaders with limited handling experience. Their foraging ability reduces feed costs, and their hardiness means they require less intensive housing and management.