Turkeys are the second most intensively farmed poultry species globally. Modern production systems create significant welfare challenges that better standards and breeding can address.
The welfare of farmed turkeys is severely compromised by the extreme selection for rapid growth. Commercially bred turkeys often struggle to walk, are susceptible to heat stress, and cannot reproduce naturally — all birds are artificially inseminated. Overcrowded sheds with no enrichment or natural light deny turkeys any expression of natural behaviour. Reducing turkey suffering requires a shift toward slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, enriched environments, and ultimately reduced overall consumption. The Better Chicken Commitment framework, while designed for broilers, has inspired parallel efforts for turkeys.