Commercial turkey farming faces welfare challenges similar to broiler chickens, with fast-growing breeds selected for meat yield experiencing significant health and mobility problems.
Turkey welfare faces the same fundamental problem as broiler chickens - selective breeding for extreme growth rates has compromised structural soundness, cardiovascular function, and natural behavior. The inability of modern turkey breeds to mate naturally is itself an indication of how extreme conformation selection has become. Leg problems causing chronic pain affect significant proportions of commercial flocks. Welfare improvement requires the same approach as for broilers - adopting slower-growing breeds with better conformation and providing enrichment, natural light, and lower stocking density. Consumer awareness of turkey welfare is generally lower than for chickens despite the similar welfare concerns in commercial production.