Farm Animals

Farmed Turkey Welfare Reforms

Commercial turkeys suffer from severe welfare problems related to selective breeding for extreme growth and poor husbandry conditions.

Key Facts

Commercial turkeys have been bred to grow so large they often cannot mate naturally
Breast muscle hypertrophy causes difficulty moving and leg joint problems
Many commercial turkeys cannot survive to sexual maturity without health interventions
Heritage breed turkeys demonstrate that commercial traits are a choice not a necessity

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of commercial turkeys has been systematically sacrificed for production efficiency. Animals bred to be too heavy to walk normally, reproduce naturally, or survive to maturity experience chronic physical suffering throughout their short lives. Breeding reform is the highest-impact welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Choose turkey products from farms using slower-growing breeds
Support campaigns advocating for breed reform in turkey production
Reduce turkey consumption during holidays and purchase from certified higher welfare farms
Advocate for breed welfare standards to be included in turkey certification programs