Chocolate turkeys were popular in the Southern United States before the Civil War. At present time they are quite rare. Their name describes their unique colored plumage and shanks, not the flavor of their meat. Don't get us wrong, these turkeys are tasty, just not chocolate flavored! They are mostly all black birds with a minor tweak in genetics that create their chocolate feathers. Poults exhibit a white face but quickly outgrow those early appearing feathers.
Heritage breed turkeys do have a longer grow out period than your Broad Breasted varieties and are typically processed at 24 to 28 weeks.
Average market weight: Toms 23 lbs, Hens 14 lbs. Old Toms 33 lbs, Old Hens 18 lbs.