Turkeys in commercial production face welfare challenges including fast-growth breed problems, overcrowding, and environmental deprivation. Welfare reform for turkeys has lagged behind chickens, despite similar concerns about intensive production practices.
Turkey welfare has received less public attention than chicken welfare, yet the birds face similar or greater problems from intensive production. Fast growth breeds develop mobility difficulties that limit normal behaviour and cause chronic pain. Barren, overcrowded housing prevents expression of natural social behaviours. Reform is possible - slower-growing breeds, lower stocking densities, environmental enrichment, and outdoor access all improve welfare substantially - but market incentives currently favour cheap production over welfare.