Commercial turkeys have been selectively bred for rapid breast meat growth, causing chronic pain, lameness, and inability to mate naturally. Billions are raised in intensive conditions annually.
Turkeys share the same fundamental welfare problem as fast-growing broiler chickens: selective breeding has prioritised muscle growth over health and mobility. Chronic lameness causes pain and reduces time spent at feeders. Hock burns (contact dermatitis) cause lesions on the hocks and feet from contact with wet, ammonia-rich litter. Cardiovascular stress is common. The inability to mate naturally has created a completely artificial production cycle dependent on human intervention.