{"id":70555,"date":"2016-09-02T14:58:52","date_gmt":"2016-09-02T13:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veganuary.com\/blog\/farmed-turkeys\/"},"modified":"2024-12-19T16:20:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:20:21","slug":"farmed-turkeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veganuary.com\/en-us\/farmed-turkeys\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are Turkeys Farmed?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A
Turkey Profile by Thomas. Reproduced Under Creative Commons Copyright License<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Turkeys are fascinating animals. They are sensitive and smart and will sing along to music. They make outstanding parents, form close-knit family bonds, and will often come together for mealtimes.1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rescued turkeys who feel safe and secure love to be stroked and will purr with pleasure. The males in particular like to be noticed. They follow their favorite person around, puffing out their magnificent chests and body ruffles, just asking you to admire them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most turkeys are factory farmed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most turkeys are reared in large, overcrowded sheds that hold up to 25,000 birds.2<\/a><\/sup> They do not see daylight, breathe fresh air, or strut around in the sun displaying their feathers. Instead, they live in filth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting is dimmed to prevent aggression among the stressed birds, who should be exploring, foraging, and roosting but are denied everything that makes life worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Factory
Photo courtesy of Farm Sanctuary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Turkeys suffer on farms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkeys, like chickens, have been selectively bred to grow much quicker than they would naturally. This increases the industry\u2019s profits as turkeys reach slaughter weight in a much shorter time. Turkeys are now four times the size of their wild ancestors and this weight gain comes with a price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their joints become inflamed, their bones break, and they may be in too much pain to even stand.3<\/a><\/sup> It is not uncommon to see birds using their wings to crawl to food and water when their legs can no longer support their weight, or immobile birds trampled or starved to death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their large frame also puts pressure on their hearts and lungs, and consequently, heart attacks are common. Together, lameness and heart disease account for a major proportion of premature flock mortality.4<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crowded living conditions and poor ventilation of factory farm units can also lead to difficulties in breathing, eye problems, and bacterial and viral infections. The birds also develop ulcers and burns on their feet and legs from standing in contaminated litter for long periods.5<\/a><\/sup>[ii]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even on free-range farms, the suffering is all too obvious. See for yourself this investigation by Animal Aid on a free-range, RSPCA-assured turkey farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n