Commercial turkeys are among the most intensively modified farmed animals, selected for extreme breast muscle development. Welfare improvements include outdoor access, slower growth breeds, and environmental enrichment.
Fast-growing commercial turkeys suffer from skeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and difficulty standing due to extreme breast muscle development. Many birds spend increasing time sitting on their hocks, causing painful pressure sores. Crowded indoor environments without enrichment prevent expression of natural behaviours. Outdoor access programmes that use appropriate stocking densities and slower-growing breeds consistently produce better welfare outcomes as measured by leg health, mortality, and behaviour indicators.