Commercial turkeys have been selectively bred for rapid growth and large breast muscles, creating serious welfare challenges that parallel those seen in broiler chickens.
Commercial turkeys share with broiler chickens the welfare burden of extreme growth selection. Their skeletons and cardiovascular systems cannot keep pace with muscle accretion. Leg weakness prevents normal movement and access to feeders and water. Large breast size alters gait and posture, causing chronic joint stress. Turkeys are intelligent, curious birds that in natural settings form complex social relationships — conditions in intensive barns offer little outlet for these behaviors.