Farmed turkeys face welfare challenges related to selective breeding for extreme size, respiratory problems, and housing conditions that restrict natural behaviour.
Turkey welfare shares many characteristics with broiler chicken welfare: intensive selection for rapid growth and large muscle mass has created birds that are physiologically compromised by their own body size. Cardiovascular stress, skeletal disorders, and the inability to mate naturally are direct consequences of selective breeding for production traits. Stocking densities near the legal maximum create environments where birds have limited space for natural behaviour expression. Traditional and slower-growing breeds have substantially better welfare outcomes, at a production cost that is reflected in higher meat prices.