Turkeys

Last updated 25 August 2025

Turkeys are extremely affectionate birds, who form strong bonds with their families and flock mates. They are known to purr in a way similar to cats when they feel relaxed and have been observed being playful among their flock.

In the animal agriculture industry, turkeys are subject to horrific lives from breeding through to slaughter and each step in between.

Almost 5 million turkeys are slaughtered in Australia each year, and although they can naturally live up to 10 years, they are slaughtered for their flesh as young as 10 weeks old.

Breeding

As a result of being bred to grow to unnaturally large sizes, turkeys killed for commercial use in Australia cannot breed naturally. Artificial insemination is standard practice in the turkey farming industry.

Hatchery

It is standard, legal practice in Australia to debeak and toe trim turkeys almost immediately after they are hatched.

Health issues

Selective breeding of turkeys to have an accelerated growth rate has been the cause of several health problems including leg locomotory problems causing lameness. Birds often become too weak to lift the weight of their bodies before they reach slaughter age. This ultimately leads to some turkeys starving to death as they are unable to reach food or water.

Housing

On turkey farms, birds live miserably in terrible conditions.

Slaughter

Hens are commonly sent to slaughter at 10 weeks of age weighing around 5kg, their bodies primarily used for ‘whole bird’ market. Toms are typically sent to slaughter at approximately 17 weeks of age weighing between 16kg and 18kg, their bodies used mostly used for ‘breast yield’ and ‘meat portions’.

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