Turkey farming involves significant welfare challenges, with most birds raised in intensive indoor conditions that prevent natural behaviors and cause health problems.
Modern commercial turkeys are a product of intensive selective breeding for rapid growth and large breast size. This breeding has compromised their welfare: birds suffer from skeletal disorders, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory difficulties due to their abnormal body proportions. Leg weakness means many birds spend extended periods lying in contaminated litter, causing hock burns and breast sores. The stress of catching, crating, and transportation to slaughter is significant. Higher-welfare turkeys raised on free-range or organic systems have slower growth rates, more natural body proportions, and access to outdoor areas and enrichment. The welfare premium between standard and higher-welfare turkey production is substantial.