The Mechelen Turkey Head is currently very endangered in its native range, and good specimens with the desired, typical heads are rare.

The Mechelen Turkey Head is an old Flemish meat breed that was developed for the German market. The Turkey Head was intended to be a heavier version of the original Malines breed, also known as the Mechelen. Malines were crossed with the heavy Bruges Fighter (also available at Greenfire Farms). This contribution of Fighter's blood created a Malines with a small three-row comb, a striking dewlap, no wattles and large slightly drooping ears. It is heavier, coarser and slightly higher on the legs than the original Malines. The hens tend to be calm and don't tend to go broody.

A Mechelen Turkey Head should be bred to eliminate the wattles in both the roosters and hens.

We imported this breed in 2021 and we've really enjoyed having this breed at our farm. They look a lot like the Malines that we imported in 2013. However, they have their differences from the Malines with their short comb, small to nonexistent wattles, and eggs that are more tinted. The hens act a lot like the Malines. They run up to us and are always curious if we are bringing any snacks to them. Our rooster that we imported didn't show aggression to us and was equally as curious as the hens. With their large bodies they aren't the fastest, but they sure try to sprint over toward us as soon as they see us. We have noticed that they are mainly very calm and not flighty.

The merits of every bird should be assessed as they reach adulthood.

The rooster that is currently available is approximately 6 to 7 months old. He still has some growing to do! The photo listed here is a photo of the rooster that is available for purchase.