All the little things we do to raise happy and healthy turkeys adds up to a superior product, the smartest choice for those who care about the food they feed their families. Perdue’s PREMIUM whole turkeys are:
When preparing your holiday feast, one of the most important factors is knowing how much your turkey weighs. The weight determines everything from how long to cook it to how many people it will serve. But turkeys come in a wide range of sizes, so how do you know which one to buy?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various weights of different types of turkeys. Whether you choose a commercially-raised bird from the grocery store or a heritage breed from a local farm, you’ll learn what to expect in terms of average turkey weights.
Understanding the size and weight differences will ensure you select the perfect turkey for your gathering Let’s get started!
Average Turkey Weights
The average weight of a turkey can vary substantially based on the type, breed, sex, and age of the bird. Here’s an overview of typical turkey weights
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Male (tom) turkeys range from 16 to 30 pounds with an average of 20-24 lbs.
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Female (hen) turkeys are smaller, ranging from 8 to 16 pounds and averaging 10-14 lbs.
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Female heritage breed turkeys average 10-14 lbs.
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Male heritage breed turkeys range from 18-25 lbs with an average of 20-22 lbs.
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Wild male (tom) turkeys weigh 16-20 lbs on average.
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Wild female (hen) turkeys typically weigh 8-12 lbs.
So you can see there’s quite a bit of variation! Toms tend to be much larger than hens, and commercially raised birds are bigger than heritage and wild turkeys.
Factors Affecting Turkey Weight
Several factors contribute to a turkey’s final weight:
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Age: Older turkeys will be heavier as they’ve had more time to grow. Toms reach maximum weight at 5 months and hens at 4 months.
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Breed: Some breeds are selectively bred to be larger with more breast meat (like commercial Broad Breasted Whites).
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Diet: Well-fed turkeys with balanced nutrition will be heavier.
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Living conditions: Access to space to move and exercise builds more muscle mass.
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Sex: As outlined above, male turkeys are substantially heavier than females of the same breed and age.
Buying a Turkey by Weight
When purchasing a turkey, keep these guidelines around weight and serving sizes in mind:
- 10-12 lb turkey: Feeds 6-8 people
- 12-15 lb turkey: Feeds 8-10 people
- 15-18 lb turkey: Feeds 10-12 people
- 18-22 lb turkey: Feeds 12-15 people
- 22-25 lb turkey: Feeds 15-20 people
For precise calculations, estimate 1-1.5 lbs of turkey per person. Then add 2-3 lbs if you want ample leftovers. A 15 lb turkey will feed around 10 people with a bit extra.
Match the weight to your oven size, roasting pan, and refrigerator space if storing for days after. Defrost frozen turkeys 1 day per 4-5 lbs.
Weighing Your Turkey at Home
Once you’ve selected your turkey, it’s easy to weigh it yourself at home with a kitchen scale:
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Choose a scale that can handle over 20 lbs.
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Remove any wrapping, netting, or packaging.
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Place the thawed turkey on a plate or pan on the scale.
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Note the weight which will be needed for timing calculations.
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Clean the scale immediately to avoid cross-contamination.
Now you have the precise weight, which along with the cooking time per pound, will determine the full roasting time.
Picking the Right Size Turkey
As you can see, turkeys vary widely in size. The breed, sex, and source impact the weight. Here are some final tips for choosing the ideal turkey:
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Base it on the number of guests and their appetites.
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Consider white vs. dark meat preferences.
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Account for desired leftovers.
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Make sure the size accommodates your oven and pans.
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Allow time to thaw and cook a frozen bird.
Following this guide on typical turkey weights takes the guesswork out of picking the perfect turkey for your holiday table!
Why Choose Perdue Farms
When it comes to the food you feed your family, quality matters. And while there are a lot of options out there, Perdue Farms stands apart. In business for over 100 years, we are a fourth-generation, family owned American food and agriculture business that from the beginning has worked with family farmers.
Best Seasoning for Turkey
Our new Farmhouse Blend enhances the flavor of turkey before or after cooking, thanks to a proprietary mix of roasted garlic and herbs. The secret’s in the savory essence of umami, which deepens flavor and boosts deliciousness.
How Much Does That Turkey Weigh?
FAQ
How much pounds does a turkey weigh?
How many people will a 20 pound turkey feed?
Is a 15 pound turkey big?
How much does a Butterball turkey weigh?
How much does a turkey weigh?
On average, a male turkey (also known as a tom) weighs around 16 to 30 pounds, while a female turkey (a hen) tends to be smaller, weighing between 8 to 16 pounds. Remember that these are just approximations; individual turkeys can fall outside of these ranges. To give you some examples: Several factors can influence a turkey’s weight:
How much does a turkey weigh in a store?
When a turkey is slaughtered and prepared for sale, parts of the turkey are removed. This is why the live weights are so much higher than the average weight in the store. A turkey which was 41 lbs at slaughter, will be about 24 lbs. in the store. This means a turkey in the store is about 10-15 lbs. less of its live weight.
How much does a turkey hen weigh?
Tom’s butchered at 18 weeks will average a carcass of approximately 29 lbs and hens will yield a carcass of approximately 20 lbs. As a general rule turkeys tend to dress at 75-80% of their body weight. Toms also grow much quicker and tend to be bigger than then hens regardless of breed.
How big is a turkey compared to a male?
The female, significantly smaller than the male, weighs 5 to 12 pounds and is only 30 to 37 inches long. Despite their large size, wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph. The male has a featherless, red head and throat and a body covered in red, bronze, and gold iridescent feathers.