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Turkeys are native to the Americas and were domesticated by the Aztecs in Mexico. They were taken to Spain in 1500, and introduced from there to England in 1524. The Black turkey, which eventually became known as Norfolk Black was believed to be the first variety of turkey in Britain. As a species they are facing the threat of extinction or constricting bloodlines, therefore it is important that Turkey Club UK with a growing number of enthusiasts rise to the challenge of helping this majestic bird.

The turkey dates back to the Aztec period where it was discovered being kept for its meat and decorative feathering. There are five recognised subspecies in the USA, but the nominate race (Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo, bronze with white in tail) was the one explorers introduced to Europe in the early sixteenth century. William Strickland is reputed to have brought the turkey to England from Spain in 1524. Over the centuries it has also been displayed for its exotic features. Classes for turkeys were offered at the first English Poultry Show in 1845 and a standard for turkeys appeared in the first English Book of Standards in 1865. A few Meleagris g. silvestris (from the Eastern USA seaboard and bronze with brown in tail) have been imported and these are slim, flying wild-looking birds. The standards published here relate solely to the traditional varieties of turkey, which are naturally bred and not related in any way to the modern day, commercial, broad-breasted or dimple-breasted types, which are not considered appropriate for the show pen.

Any change to the standard is required to be approved by the Turkey Club UK and ratified by the Poultry Club of Great Britain,  further information regarding the process can be found here.  Subscribed members of the club  receive a copy of the turkey standards upon joining or by purchasing the PCGB poultry standards book. 

TURKEY EGGS

 Shape:
Turkey eggs should be shown in their own classes.  Turkey eggs should have a greater length than width and be much roomier in the top than the bottom, which should be more curved.
Size:
Turkey eggs weights vary between heavy and light varieties:

Heavy breeds would be expected to lay heavier eggs, 85.0 g – 98.0 g (3.0 oz – 3¹/₂ oz)
Light breed’s, 73.0g – 87.0 g (2¹/₂ oz – 3¹/₂ oz) 
A pullet’s egg can be 6.0g lighter.

Colour:
The turkey lays a speckled egg.  The speckles range from a deep brown to reddish chestnut. 
Blotches or mottling of colour should be considered a fault.

GENERAL STANDARD: HEAVY BREEDS 

General characteristics	Male
Carriage	Stately and moderately upright
Type	Body long, deep and well rounded. Back curving with good slope to tail. Breast broad, full, long and straight. Wings strong and large. Tail long in proportion to body
Head	Long, broad and carunculated. Beak strong, curved and well set. Eyes bright, bold and clear
Snood	The fleshy protuberance above the beak of a male turkey. This is a muscle that elongates to as much as 15.24 cms (6 ins) down over the beak when displaying. It can be retracted to form a short erect cone above the beak when not displaying. The snood will vary in colour from pale pink to very deep pink on all varieties, according to activity and behaviour.
Throat wattle	Large and pendant
Caruncles	The fleshy round prominences on the head and neck, which are larger on the front of the neck, below the throat wattle. They can change from bright red through to bluish white.
Neck	Long, curving backward towards saddle
Beard or tassel	A cluster of black, hair-like growth attached to the centre of the upper part of the breast in all adult males. The beard can grow to around 15.24cms (6ins) in length. Females have a beard but generally no more than 1cm in length, which is usually hidden by breast feathers
Legs and feet	Thighs long and stout. Fluff – the feathers between the legs and base of the vent, which are soft and short. Shanks large, strong, well rounded and of medium length. Toes, four, straight and strong and well spread
Female
The female is smaller and finer in bone structure than the male.

GENERAL STANDARD: LIGHT BREEDS
The general characteristics are the same as for the Heavy breeds with the following exceptions.

Carriage	Active and Upright
Legs and feet	Shanks large, strong and fairly long

Judging Points and Serious Defects

Judging – Scale of Points for all colours

Type and Size	35 *		Serious Defects Crooked or other deformity of the breast bone. Wry tail. Feathers other than the colour stipulated for the variety. Any birds exceeding the weights laid down in the Standard. Any abnormality. Disqualification Double Breasted Varieties unless in appropriate class*
Head	15 *
Legs and Feet	15 *
Colour	25 *
Condition	10
TOTAL	100

VARIETIES STANDARDISED ABROAD

Various varieties with different or similar names are in several counties, however these should not be confused with the UK Turkeys, the standards and genetics are likely to be different.