Thanksgiving’s almost here, and it’s about time to start planning the feast • and placing a big order of bird. Those staying put for the holiday (what, no “friendsgiving”?) will find plenty of cold turkeys to purchase throughout the boroughs. But before grabbing the nearest shrinkwrapped thing, why not weigh in factors like locality and raising methods first? Guaranteed from experience, a happy bird is a better-tasting bird. Here are a few places to get yours.

Tamarack Hollow Farms
Co-owner Mike Betit was a vegetarian before he started raising pigs, to produce guaranteed humanely raised meat with an exacting attention to quality. As a result, meat from Tamarack’s farm tends to be succulent without being too fatty. “Talk to him for five minutes and you can tell how much he cares about what he’s doing,” said Greenmarket Manager Melissa Rebholtz of Betit. Tamarack’s limited number of pastured, certified organic Broad Breasted Blondes, a heritage turkey breed, are available until sold out, so hurry.
Where: Union Square Greenmarket, or by contacting the farm at 802-535-1515
When: Now until sold out
Pricing: $6.25/lb

DiPaolo Turkey Farms
DiPaolo not only believes in raising free-range, all natural, certified organic birds but also supporting the local community. That’s why they donate hundreds of turkeys to needy families each Thanksgiving. Get in on the meaning of giving thanks by supporting them, and you’ll be rewarded with a wholesome entree. A good for big families, DiPaolo’s turkeys can also grow to a meaty 29 pounds — about the size of a three-year-old. Party!
Where: Union Square, Tucker Square, Tribeca and Inwood Greenmarkets in Manhattan; Grand Army Plaza and Fort Greene Greenmarkets in Brooklyn; or by contacting the farm at 609-587-9311
When: Now; last day to pick up order at the Greenmarket the day before Thanksgiving
Pricing: $2.99/lb

Quattro Game Farm
Carmella Quattrociocchi continues the tradition of raising free-range, antibiotic and hormone free fowl and venison on the farm that her mother established in 1944. Its pastures boast the only Eastern Breed Wild Turkeys in the state, and other turkey breeds available to purchase include the Heritage Bourbon Red and New Holland. Carmella hopes to pass the torch on to her two children, who grew up on the farm.
Where: Union Square Greenmarket, or by contacting the farm at 845-635-2018
When: Now until sold out (best to order by first week of November)
Pricing: $3.50-$8.50/lb, depending on variety

D’Artagnan
If you can’t manage to drag a huge bird home this year, get on D’Artagnan’s website to click, drool, and have it shipped your way. Their high-quality whole turkeys include certified organic, antibiotic and hormone free, heritage and wild varieties, all from small farms that pride themselves on sustainable, morally sound and safe raising techniques, values that D’Artagnan has been a longtime supporter of. Their heritage and wild turkeys are particularly pampered on low-stress, open environments and natural diets, so these promise to deliver some seriously rich, full-flavored meat.
Where: Dartagnan.com; products also found in many gourmet groceries
When: Now until November 19th for online orders
Pricing: by whole turkey size, or about $6.50/lb and up depending on variety

Fairway Market
Choose from free-range, antibiotic free Murray’s turkeys, Grateful Harvest organic turkeys, conventional Maple Crest turkeys or heritage turkey breeds at Fairway Market’s flagship Red Hook store. If you forgot to pre-order, you’re sure to find a whole turkey in the store all through the holiday season. And this year, Fairway’s introducing fully cleaned, seasoned and ready-to-roast turkeys as well as prepared gravy and sides for all you last-minute planners. Meat Director Ray Venezia promises the only effort you’ll make is putting it in the oven — and its deliciousness.
Where: 480-500 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn
When: Now through Thanksgiving
Pricing: varies, call (718) 694-6868

More places to find heritage turkeys:
(Note: “Heritage” turkeys were originally bred by American farmers for their diverse flavors, plumage and high yield of flavorful, rich meat. They are not genetically altered and live long, productive lifespans with a slower rate of growth. By the 1990’s they were near extinct, but are making a big comeback on small farms. For more details check out heritageturkeyfoundation.org.)

Marlow & Sons
Where: 81 Broadway, Williamsburg
When: place order by Nov 5^th; extra turkeys available at store on first-come, first-serve basis
Pricing: $7/lb, 8-24 lb birds available

Greene Grape Provisions
Where: 753 Fulton Street, Fort Greene
When: place order by November 19^th
Pricing: $14.99/lb, 12-15 lb birds available

Staubitz Market
Where: 222 Court Street, Cobble Hill
When: place order a week before Thanksgiving
Pricing: market price, call (718) 624-0014

Los Paisanos Meat Market
Where: 162 Smith Street, Cobble Hill
When: place order two weeks before Thanksgiving
Pricing: TBA, but around $6-7/lb

or, order directly from:
Heritage Foods USA
When: order online by November 10
Pricing: about $14/lb and up, shipping included

By Cathy Erway. Photos by ovrerthetopofny (top photo), experiencela (second photo) and bottom two turkey pix, Cathy Erway.