Commercial turkeys are bred for rapid growth and housed at high density. Range access and alternative breeds offer welfare improvements but face market resistance.
Commercial turkey welfare is characterised by the same growth-related problems as broiler chickens - lameness, cardiovascular strain, and physiological compromise from genetic selection for rapid growth. The inability to perform natural ranging, foraging, and flight behaviours causes additional welfare costs. Range access addresses some behavioural needs but cannot compensate for fundamental breeding-related welfare harms.