do turkeys eat meat

Do Turkeys Eat Meat? Exploring the Omnivorous Diet of Wild and Domestic Turkeys

Turkeys are a favorite feature of the quintessential Thanksgiving feast, but how much do we really know about what these big birds eat? While domestic turkeys are fed a vegetarian diet of corn and soy, their wild cousins are omnivorous, feasting on a diverse spread of plant and animal matter

Understanding the omnivorous nature of turkeys can help shed light on how to properly care for domestic flocks and appreciate the survival instincts of wild turkeys. So do turkeys eat meat? Let’s take a closer look.

The Omnivorous Instincts of Wild Turkeys

In their natural habitat, wild turkeys are opportunistic omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods based on seasonal availability and individual preferences. This diverse diet allows them to thrive across North America in forests, grasslands, and semi-arid deserts.

Though wild turkeys spend much of their time foraging on the ground for vegetation, they will readily consume protein-rich animal matter when the chance arises. In fact, animal foods can comprise over 20% of their diet. As true omnivores, wild turkeys have been observed feeding on insects, worms, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and even the eggs of ground-nesting birds.

Waste grains and insects supplement the diet of wild turkey poults (chicks), providing the extra protein needed for rapid growth. Mature male turkeys may eat more animal matter than hens prior to breeding season to support the energy demands of their elaborate mating displays. By opportunistically feeding on protein-packed animal foods, wild turkeys obtain essential amino acids and nutrients not found in plants alone.

The Meat-Eating Tendencies of Domestic Turkeys

Over hundreds of years of domestication, commercial turkeys have been bred almost exclusively on vegetarian diets rich in corn, soy, and other grains. However, the meat-eating instincts of their wild ancestors still emerge under the right circumstances.

When allowed to free range, domestic turkeys will eagerly feed on any insects, worms, or amphibians they can capture. If fed cooked eggs, meat scraps, fishmeal, or other animal-based protein sources, most domestic turkeys readily accept them as part of their diet.

In fact, some small-scale turkey farmers specifically raise their flocks on pasture with supplemented meat and dairy products, believing this diverse “feast diet” replicates the natural omnivorous tendencies of wild turkeys. These farmers report excellent bird health and flavorful meat from the supplemental animal proteins.

However, large commercial turkey producers focus on efficient weight gain from grain-only vegetarian diets. So that succulent supermarket turkey was likely raised simply on corn, soy, and vitamins/minerals from start to finish.

Health Concerns of Feeding Meat to Domestic Turkeys

While domestic turkeys retain their ancestral taste for meat, exercise caution before offering any uncooked animal products. Raw meat carries a high risk of transmitting salmonella, campylobacter, and other dangerous pathogens to backyard or pet turkeys. Cooked meat avoids this risk while still satisfying the turkey’s natural omnivorous appetite.

Rancid meat can also prove toxic, so only offer very fresh leftovers or table scraps. Ensure all bones are removed, as sharp fragments may puncture the bird’s crop or intestines. An exclusive meat-based diet fails to meet the full nutritional requirements of domestic turkeys as well.

When feeding meat to pet or hobby turkeys, always mix small portions with their normal feed to prevent nutritional imbalances. Monitor for signs of loose droppings or crop slowdown, indications that meat portions may need to be reduced.

The Delicate Balance of the Turkey’s Omnivorous Needs

Wild turkeys thrive on nature’s bounty of seeds, nuts, fruits, greens, insects, and the occasional amphibian or reptile. Domestic turkeys retain this flexible appetite, but require care to fulfill their omnivorous desires safely.

By understanding the spectrum of foods encompassed by a turkey’s evolution as an opportunistic omnivore, we can better appreciate these unique birds that have become such an iconic centerpiece of the traditional American dinner table.