The Slate turkey is also called the Blue or Lavender turkey, named for its color, which is solid to ashy blue over the entire body, with or without a few black flecks. Though it has been said that the Slate turkey originated from a cross of the Black turkey on a white turkey, there is no solid evidence to prove it. Just as the gene for blue in the Andalusian chicken is the result of an unrecorded mutation; it is the same with Slate turkey. Hens are lighter colored than the toms.

The PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Turkey Feeder can help to make your birds self sufficient, which is a bonus if you want to take a holiday or the occasional weekend away. Pellets, wheat and cracked corn can be given using the ½ inch or 5/8 inch regulator disc. The 3/8 inch regulator disc from the PECk-O-MATIC Automatic Turkey Feeder can be used to provide crumble or milo.

The head, throat, and wattles of the Slate turkeys are red to bluish white. A black beard, brown eyes, pink shank and toes are other features of this breed. The beak is horn in color; the eyes are brown; and the beard is black. The shanks and toes are pink. The standard weight for a young tom is 23 pounds and 14 pounds for a young hen. The Slate was accepted by the American Poultry Association in 1874. There was a revival of interest in the biological fitness, survivability, and superior flavor which boosted the popularity of these turkeys.

There is only one variety of Slate Blue Turkey, but with two genotypes. A Blue Slate may be one of three different colors: Slate, also called a Splash which is a solid, ashy blue with black spots scattered over the body; Blue which is a lighter, solid, grayish-blue all over and no black spots and Black which is black all over. This breed is listed as critically endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. These turkeys meet the definition of a heritage turkey breed.