Farmed Animals

Turkey Hock Burn and Welfare

Hock burn in turkeys is caused by prolonged contact with wet, soiled litter and indicates poor housing conditions.

Key Facts

Hock burn affects the skin and underlying tissue on the back of the leg joint
Prevalence rates of severe hock burn can exceed 50 percent in intensive systems
Wet litter is the primary cause, which can result from poor ventilation
Hock burn causes pain and lameness, impairing walking and natural behaviours
Reducing stocking density and improving litter management reduces hock burn significantly

Welfare Considerations

Hock burn is a painful condition that signals chronic poor welfare in turkey flocks. Birds suffering from hock burn experience pain when walking, spend more time sitting, and are less able to access food and water. Good litter management and appropriate stocking density are essential for prevention.

What You Can Do

Choose turkey from farms with welfare certifications that monitor hock burn
Reduce turkey consumption or source from higher-welfare producers
Support welfare monitoring schemes that include hock burn assessment
Advocate for mandatory litter quality standards in turkey production