by Kirsten Carbone

Free range, organic or pasture raised, find your perfect bird here:

Family-run Field House Farm in Madison operates sustainably, and their Heritage Bronze pasture-raised birds forage and eat a natural grain diet. Hens are 14-16 lbs. and Toms can weigh upwards of 25+ lbs. These are $7.50 per lb. and a $40 deposit is required. www.fieldhousefarm.net.

Look for Broad-breasted Bronze and Broad-breasted White hens raised organically and on-site at White Gate Farm in East Lyme. These are sold frozen at $6.00 per lb. Reserve at info@whitegatefarm.net and indicate a desired weight between 12-25 lbs. In the farmstand, you’ll find Sweet Potato Mash, Gluten-Free Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Pie and Maple Pecan Pie.

For something different, let Shoreline Prime Meats in Branford create a turducken for you at $7.95/lb. Not a bone to be found in this portmanteau of turkey, duck and chicken, artfully wedged together by their in-house butcher. Bread or sausage stuffing can also be layered in by request, with a gluten-free option as well. Ordering available up to one week in advance. www.shorelineprime.com

Fresh turkeys are literally sold by the thousands every Thanksgiving at Guilford-run Gozzi’s, a 75-year old farm with a revered history for raising natural, free-range birds. $2.99/lb. Order ahead and no deposit required (203) 453-2771.