From Our Farm to Your Table: The Exceptional Quality of a Copas Turkey

Christmas lunch is one of the most anticipated occasions of the year, and the centrepiece deserves to be nothing short of exceptional. At Copas Farm Shop, we hold firm to the belief that outstanding food begins with patience, care, and respect for the animal. Every turkey we raise reflects these values, slow-grown, genuinely free-range, and prepared using traditional methods to deliver a flavour and texture that truly stands apart.

Patience Is Key

Our preparations for Christmas begin long before the festive season arrives. We select slow-growing traditional breeds for their superior flavour and texture, allowing them to mature naturally over a period of at least 26 weeks, more than double the growth period of most commercial turkeys.

This extended rearing period is essential. Like a fine wine or an expertly matured cheese, a Copas free-range turkey develops its rich flavour only with time and attentive care.  

Raising Our Turkeys From Day One

The journey of a Copas turkey begins long before Christmas Day. The poults arrive at the farm when they are just a day old, tiny, fluffy bundles of potential. For their first couple of weeks, they are gently introduced to their new environment within secure chicken wire pens inside our barns. This safe space helps them adjust comfortably while being protected from the elements and any threats.

After around two weeks, these pens are removed, and the turkeys are free to roam around the barn as much as they like. This gradual introduction helps them build strength and confidence before the big move outside.

A Truly Free-Range Life

Once they reach about five weeks of age, it’s time for the turkeys to leave the shelter of the barns and take to the open fields and cherry orchards that surround our farm. Here, they roam freely throughout the day, exploring, foraging, and enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings.

At night, they return to cosy, sheltered housing to rest safely. This lifestyle isn’t just about space, it’s about giving the birds a calm, stress-free environment where they can thrive. We firmly believe that happier birds produce superior meat, with a depth of flavour that simply can’t be matched by birds raised in confined or industrial settings.

We never use antibiotics or growth promoters. Our turkeys are fed a carefully balanced, high-quality diet, complemented by the natural forage they find in the orchards, including beneath the apple and cherry trees. The result is a bird raised as nature intended, with impeccable welfare standards and a rich, authentic taste.

Time-Honoured Traditions

Once fully mature, each turkey is prepared with great care. Every bird is hand-plucked and hung using traditional game-hanging methods for up to 14 days. This dry-ageing process tenderises the meat and intensifies the flavours, much like the finest dry-aged beef.

While it requires patience and skill, this approach is fundamental to achieving the signature succulence and character of a Copas turkey, qualities that elevate your Christmas lunch and make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Presented with Care

When you choose a Copas turkey, you receive more than just the bird itself. Each one is thoughtfully packed with everything you need to make your festive cooking straightforward and enjoyable. Alongside the turkey, you’ll find detailed cooking instructions and a very helpful pop-up timer. 

If you’re local, you’re warmly invited to collect your turkey direct from the farm shop. Meeting the team and seeing the farm where your bird was raised is a special experience that connects you to the food on your plate in a meaningful way.

More Than a Meal

For us, farming is a proud tradition built on integrity, respect, and passion. Our family have been providing award-winning turkeys for over 60 years, and our values continue to guide everything we do.

By choosing a Copas turkey, you’re supporting British farmers dedicated to sustainable and ethical practices and enjoying a truly premium product that reflects those standards.

Ready for Your Festive Table

Whether it’s your first time enjoying a Copas free-range turkey or you’re a loyal returning customer, we are committed to making your Christmas lunch effortless and memorable. Our turkeys are available to pre-order now, with flexible delivery and collection options to suit your needs.