Turkeys are the second most farmed poultry species globally, yet face significant welfare challenges from selective breeding for rapid growth, dense housing, and practices including beak trimming and toe removal.
Turkey welfare challenges parallel those of broiler chickens — the same logic of selective breeding for production traits at the expense of health and welfare applies with equal force. Commercial turkeys are among the most physically compromised farmed animals, bred into bodies that cause chronic pain through simple locomotion. The inability of commercial breeds to mate naturally is perhaps the starkest illustration of how far selective breeding has moved from the animal's own welfare. The seasonal concentration of turkey consumption around major holidays creates demand spikes that incentivise intensive production, while heritage and slower-growing alternatives remain niche. Welfare reform in turkey production requires the same breed-focused intervention as broiler reform.