Free Range Turkeys for Christmas in Lincolnshire

All heritage breeds of turkey are rare breeds, here at South Ormsby Estate we are passionate about keeping and breeding Rare Breeds to increase the numbers of these animals. We also have our herd of Lincoln Red Cattle and our flock of Lincolnshire Buff chickens. Heritage breed animals tend to take longer to fatten up than commercial breeds, which is why they cost more than commercially reared meats. By purchasing rare breed meat you are also supporting the breeding and are helping to conserve these rare breeds. You are also paying for meat with a high level of animal welfare.

The Norfolk Black is the UK’s oldest breed of turkey. The breed is also known as Black Spanish as it may have been brought to Europe from the Americas by conquistadors in the 16th century.

Turkeys don’t deal with stress well and they can actually die if they become too stressed. Transporting them even a short distance can cause them stress and the stress hormone adrenaline can affect the meat, so the turkeys are on the pasture near Manor Farm, which is also where they will be slaughtered and processed, reducing any stress from transporting them.

The turkeys will be slaughtered at the beginning of December and hung for 2 weeks, which allows the flavour to develop in the meat.  We will be producing fresh whole free-range Turkeys for local collection the week before Christmas, which means you can remove the legs and freeze them for use after Christmas.