Duck, duck, TURKEY!Metzer Farms May 2026 Newsletter
There’s something special about spring at the hatchery. Every week brings new hatchlings, fresh beginnings, and boxes carefully packed for homes across the country. This month, we’re sharing our new blog on how to raise friendly ducks, highlighting some of our turkey favorites, and bringing you more updates, tips, and hatchery happenings from around the farm.
Friendly ducks don’t just happen by chance. Building trust starts early with gentle handling, daily interaction, and positive experiences that help ducklings feel comfortable around people. In our newest blog, we’re sharing simple ways to raise ducks that are calm, social, and excited to see you every day. Read the full blog to learn how to encourage friendlier behavior from the very beginning!
Heritage turkeys are known for their natural beauty, active personalities, and traditional farmyard appearance. Unlike broad breasted varieties, these breeds can naturally reproduce, forage well, and thrive in free-range environments. Every flock is unique, making this assortment perfect for homesteads, hobby farms, and turkey lovers who want variety in both color and personality. Since it’s hatchery choice, you never know exactly which breeds you’ll receive, which makes opening the box even more exciting!
Turkeys aren’t the first animal people think of as a pet, but they definitely deserve a spot on the list! They’re social, interactive, and often more people-focused than you’d expect from a backyard bird. Some are bold and curious, others are calm and observant, and those personalities can vary by breed and individual.
Many will choose to be near you, follow you around, or simply hang out while you’re outside. They also tend to mix well with other poultry when given enough space, though they definitely bring a bigger presence to the flock.
Things to keep in mind:
Plan for at least 75–100 sq ft per turkey in an outdoor run (more is always better)
Indoor shelter should allow about 4–6 sq ft per bird
They can be vocal, especially as they mature
They require consistent care and a clean, secure setup
Turkeys are a great fit for people looking for birds with personality, purpose, and presence. If you’ve got the space and enjoy hands-on animals, they can easily become one of the most rewarding birds you raise.
Black Spanish turkeys are one of the oldest heritage breeds, known for their striking black feathers with a metallic sheen. Hardy and excellent foragers, they thrive in free-range setups and offer both quality meat and reliable egg production. Calm and easy to handle.
Blue Slate turkeys stand out with their slate-blue feathers, ranging from light gray to deep smoky tones. This hardy, calm breed is well-suited for free-range living and known for its strong foraging ability. With flavorful meat and reliable egg production, they’re a great dual-purpose choice.
Narragansett turkeys are a historic, eye-catching breed with a mix of black, gray, tan, and white feathers. Calm, hardy, and easy to handle, they do well in both free-range and managed setups. Known for strong foraging, steady egg production, and quality meat, they’re a reliable, low-maintenance choice for any flock.
Standard Bronze turkeys are a classic heritage breed, known for their striking metallic bronze feathers and impressive size. Hardy and excellent foragers, they thrive in free-range environments and offer both flavorful meat and reliable egg production, making them a strong, traditional choice for any flock.
Broad Breasted White turkeys are the industry standard for size, growth, and meat production. Bred for rapid growth and high yield, they reach market weight quickly and deliver large, meaty carcasses. A top choice for both backyard growers and commercial production, they’re ideal for holiday tables and high-efficiency meat production.
Broad-Breasted Bronze turkeys are fast-growing birds known for their high meat yield and classic, wild turkey appearance. They’re a popular choice for both small farms and commercial growers. They were bred from Bronze-type stock for larger size and more breast meat than heritage Standard Bronze turkeys. Unlike heritage turkeys, they are not intended to be kept as a pet or for breeding and are primarily raised for efficient meat production.
Looking to raise a diverse and beautiful flock of turkeys while at the same time saving on cost? The Hatchery Choice Heritage Turkey Package is the perfect option. This package gives you a chance to get some of our most popular breeds, including Black Spanish, Blue Slate, Narragansett, Standard Bronze, and White Holland.
*Based on our availability at the time of shipment, which may result in only receiving one breed.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts in our April survey! We love learning more about our customers and using your feedback to better serve the waterfowl community. See the results below and keep scrolling to take our May Survey!
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