Is Turkey Meat Poisonous? Exploring the Myths and Facts

This resource has been fully reviewed and updated by a member of The Open Sanctuary Project’s staff as of October 15th, 2021

It can be a challenge to ensure turkey residents have healthy, happy lives after coming to a sanctuary, and there are many different aspects of care to consider each day. Unfortunately, toxic and poisonous hazards are sometimes overlooked in the hustle and bustle of operating a sanctuary. While minor exposure to many of these toxins is unlikely to cause serious problems, large amounts can cause severe health issues and sadly, even death. Many turkeys may instinctively avoid toxic plants or avoid them because many are bitter to the taste. However, some toxins are highly dangerous even in small amounts and others are quite palatable. To help ensure you never run into this problem, we have compiled this resource of common plants and other potentially toxic things that have been known to be a problem for turkeys.

While prevention is imperative when it comes to protecting your residents from toxins, in the event that they accidentally ingest something toxic, the administration of an activated charcoal product may help absorb the toxins. This is not a magic cure and may not be appropriate in all situations, but it can be helpful to have on hand. We suggest asking your veterinarian if there are specific products they recommend for the various species in your care so you can have them ready should you need them. In addition to seeking urgent medical care, if a resident ingests a toxin, ask your veterinarian if administration of activated charcoal is advised.

Turkey meat is a popular choice for meals, especially during the holidays. However, some myths claim that turkey meat can be poisonous under certain circumstances. In this article, we’ll explore whether there’s any truth to these turkey poisoning myths.

Can Angry or Stressed Turkeys Produce Poisonous Meat?

One common myth states that if a turkey experiences high stress or anger right before slaughter its meat becomes flooded with toxins or adrenaline making it poisonous to humans if consumed.

This myth has been circulating for years but there’s no scientific evidence to back it up. Here’s what we know

Turkeys do not produce any kind of poison or toxin in their bodies, even when stressed. Their physiology simply doesn’t work that way.
Adrenaline and other hormones released during stress are broken down quickly after death and do not accumulate in the meat.
No cases of turkey meat poisoning have ever been officially documented or linked to a turkey’s emotional state.

So while extreme stress right before slaughter may impact meat quality in small ways, it certainly doesn’t make the turkey meat toxic or dangerous to eat. This myth can be safely dismissed.

Can Eating Toxic Plants Make Turkeys Poisonous?

Another common myth is that turkeys who consume toxic plants become poisonous themselves. This one has a bit more truth to it.

Many plants are toxic to turkeys – milkweed, nightshade, and pokeweed being some of the most dangerous. If turkeys eat enough of these plants, it can potentially be fatal.

But even if a turkey ingests some toxins, it won’t necessarily make their meat poisonous. Here are some key points:

Most plant toxins are broken down and excreted by the turkey’s system fairly quickly. They don’t bioaccumulate in tissues long-term.
Levels needed to impact the turkey are often much higher than levels that could potentially taint the meat.
Toxins are typically concentrated in organ meats, not muscle meat. Meat cuts like breast and thighs are rarely affected.
Cooking destroys many plant-based toxins. Fully cooked turkey meat is very unlikely to pose any risk.

So while turkeys shouldn’t eat toxic plants, occasional low-level exposure doesn’t necessarily make the meat dangerous. But it’s smart to keep turkeys away from toxins just to be safe. Monitor their outdoor access and remove any risky plants.

Can Diseases Make Turkey Meat Poisonous?

Certain turkey diseases like blackhead or fowlpox may also raise concerns about poisoning. But again, there’s no evidence that common turkey illnesses can produce toxic meat.

Here’s a quick overview:

Most turkey diseases don’t involve toxins at all, just viruses, bacteria, or parasites. They won’t directly affect the safety of properly handled and cooked meat.
Birds that are visibly sick or dying should never be processed for food anyway as a basic safety precaution.
Proper handling, butchering, and cooking will kill any pathogens present in the meat, rendering it safe to eat. Just don’t consume raw turkey from a suspect bird.

So common turkey diseases don’t produce poisonous meat. But as always, never eat the meat of visibly ill birds. When in doubt, play it safe and discard the carcass.

Can Improperly Prepared Turkey Become Toxic?

While turkeys themselves don’t produce poisons, there are some preparation risks that can make turkey meat toxic:

Improper canning – Canned meat can harbor botulism if handling and canning methods aren’t safe. Always follow reputable canning guides and never eat meat from a can that’s bulging or smells odd.
Foodborne illness – Bacteria like salmonella or listeria can grow on raw turkey if it isn’t handled properly. Cook thoroughly to at least 165°F.
Allergic reactions – Some people may have food allergies or sensitivities to turkey. But this depends on the individual person, not the turkey itself.

So while turkey meat isn’t inherently poisonous, unsafe food handling and preparation practices can cause illness. Be diligent about kitchen safety when working with raw turkey.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the bottom line on whether turkey can be poisonous:

Turkey meat itself does not contain toxins or poisons, even under stress.
Consuming toxic plants may pose a small risk but it is unlikely at typical exposure levels.
Common illnesses like blackhead do not result in poisonous meat. Never eat meat from sick birds.
The biggest risks come from improper handling, butchering, canning or cooking. Use safe practices.

While turkeys shouldn’t consume toxins, occasional low-level exposure doesn’t necessarily make the meat dangerous, especially if properly cooked. So while myths continue to persist, turkey meat poisoning is extremely rare. With proper handling, preparation and cooking, turkey meat purchased from reputable sources can be enjoyed safely.

Frequency of Entities:

turkey: 30
meat: 17
poisonous: 15
toxic: 7
myth: 5
stress: 4
toxin: 4
anger: 2
adrenaline: 2
milkweed: 1
nightshade: 1
pokeweed: 1
blackhead: 1
fowlpox: 1
salmonella: 1
listeria: 1

is turkey poisonous

Other Potential Turkey Toxins

Blue-green algae are often found in stagnant water when temperatures are high. These algae can be toxic to turkeys if they ingest contaminated water. The type of toxin ingested will determine the symptoms. In many cases of poisoning, turkeys are usually found dead, due to the potency of the toxin. Symptoms could include:

Excessive salivation
Diarrhea
Tremors
Unresponsive
Lethargy
Lack of coordination
Recumbency
Wing and leg weakness; paralysis
Blue discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen flow
Excessive thirst
Open mouth breathing
Seizures
Sudden death

To prevent algae toxicity in turkeys and other residents, be sure to clean water sources regularly, especially when the weather is hot. Preventing access to other stagnant or slow-moving water sources such as lakes, bogs, and ponds can also help you keep residents safe.

Botulism can be contracted if turkeys eat or play in contaminated soil, water, or decaying matter, spoiled feed, or by consuming maggots who harbor the toxins. Signs of botulism in turkeys include:

Paralysis
Weakness
Ruffled feathers
Diarrhea
Muscle tremors
Stumbling
Recumbency
Limp neck
Droopy Eyelids
Labored breathing
Death

To prevent botulism, be sure to inspect living areas and any water sources for dying or dead animals and promptly and respectfully dispose of any bodies properly, then dump contaminated water, and thoroughly disinfect the water container and refill with fresh water. Prevent residents from accessing stagnant bodies of water!

Blister beetles contain cantharidin, a toxic substance that is used as a defense mechanism against predators. While poisoning from these beetles is most concerning for horses and other mammals, they are potentially dangerous to your turkey residents too. While many turkeys will avoid eating these beetles, some may be accidentally ingested. Younger birds are more likely to make the mistake of ingesting a blister beetle. They can cause erosive lesions and death if consumed. If you suspect Blister Beetle Poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cedar should be avoided in avian living spaces because it can cause respiratory issues. If you use wood shavings for bedding, make sure you are not buying cedar shavings. Pine is also known to contain phenols that could potentially be a problem for turkeys as well and may be best avoided.

Hardware Disease refers to the injuries that can result from any animal resident eating something they shouldn’t, especially pieces of human-made hardware like nails, screws, and staples. Hardware disease can have devastating effects on any resident. Check out our resource on Hardware Disease prevention here.

Lead was once used in paints and pesticides, and can also be found in natural environmental sources. Even if you have never used any products containing lead, it may still be present in old barn or fence paint, or the soil. Places, where old machinery and leaded gas have been stored, may also have caused the contamination, as would old treated lumber and railroad ties. Turkeys may ingest the lead in the environment through the consumption of paint flakes, plant material that has absorbed lead in the environment, and tainted surfaces. Symptoms include:

Depression
Lack of appetite
Emaciation
Anemia
Increased thirst
Excessive urination
Weakness
Greenish droppings
Siezures
Downward extended wings
Young birds may die within 36 hours of ingesting

Having the soil tested at your sanctuary is an easy way to learn if the environment is safe for residents. You can check with a local environmental conservation service, or agricultural extension office to inquire about testing. It is usually a fairly quick and easy process. Prevent your residents from accessing buildings and fences with old paint.

Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect a turkey has ingested lead or is beginning to show symptoms of lead poisoning.

Mycotoxins are a toxin produced by molds (fungi) that are harmful to many animals, including turkeys. Mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins can affect turkeys through contaminated food or bedding. Moist, warm environments make a perfect recipe for mold reproduction. Aspergillus can produce aflatoxins that can be a particular concern for birds.

Symptoms include:

Lack of appetite
Impaired coordination
Weakness
Oral irritation, lesions
Anemia
Convulsions
Increases susceptibility to infection and disease
Muscle spasms
Depression
Death

Prevention is key in avoiding serious health issues. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to help ensure resident turkeys do not suffer the ill effects of mycotoxin poisoning:

Be sure to keep food, grain, and hay storage areas clean, dry, and cool
Try to keep food storage areas protected from mice and rats and other wildlife, as they can chew holes in food bags, increasing the likelihood of grain being exposed to damp conditions
Always feed the oldest sources of food first. Try to use up open food bags within a few weeks after opening in the winter and in even less time in the summer
Clean any storage bins or cans thoroughly to remove old grain that may get stuck in cracks and crevices
Check with your food manufacturer or supplier to see if they regularly test for the presence of mycotoxins in grains before mixing food. If they do not, avoid using them and find another supplier

If you are concerned about the possibility of mycotoxin contamination, have your food stores tested. This could be especially important if you have a turkey that shows initial signs of mycotoxin exposure.

It may not come as a surprise that herbicides and rodenticides can cause toxicosis in turkeys if ingested. If turkeys ingest plants or insects that have been sprayed they can become ill or even die. For this reason, turkeys must be not given treated plants or are allowed access to pastures that have been treated with herbicides.

While rats and mice can pose challenges for sanctuaries, it is important to respect them and use compassionate mitigation practices. In addition to the compassion and consideration mice and rats deserve, many rodenticides are anticoagulants and act by preventing the blood to clot and turkeys may find and attempt to eat the poisoned body of a mouse or rat and become poisoned themselves if poison is used. There are many new and innovative ways to address rodent populations that are more effective and compassionate.

Early treatment is critical. If you suspect turkeys may have ingested any of the poisons above, contact your veterinarian immediately. Blood tests may confirm poisoning.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is found in many household items but those that are intended to be heated are the main source of toxicity. At high temperatures, items containing PTFE can put out highly toxic fumes, resulting in toxicity or even death. Make sure any heat sources you use in resident living spaces, such as a radiant heater or heat lamp, are free of PTFE. We advise against the use of glass bulb heat lamps due to their associated fire risk, but another reason to steer clear is that some are coated in PTFE. Other sources of concern include some hairdryers, heating pads, irons and ironing board covers, computer wires, and non-stick cookware. While polytetrafluoroethylene toxicosis is a concern for any avian resident, be especially vigilant if you share your home with an avian companion, since many household items could contain PTFE.

Symptoms Include:

Difficulty breathing
Lethargy
Impaired coordination
Weakness
Convulsions
Laying on side
Coma
Death

When too much salt is in food or treats or turkeys have access to rock salt or salt provided for other animals, they may consume too much, resulting in salt poisoning.

Symptoms Include:

You may notice their bedding or ground covering is wetter and they have watery droppings. Chicks (poults) may become uncoordinated, experience respiratory distress, be unable to get off their backs and die. If you suspect salt poisoning, remove food or other sources of salt and call your veterinarian ASAP.

Venomous snakebites are not common, but when they occur, should be treated seriously and immediately. If you notice a snakebite, look for others. Snake venom varies by species, and the severity of a bite can also be influenced by the size, age, and the number of bites. Most venoms can impair blood clotting and damage the heart, while some others contain neurotoxins. Signs of snakebite may include:

Pain
Swelling at the bite site
One or more puncture wounds
Sloughing of tissues near the bite site
Cardiac arrhythmias
Impaired ability for their blood to clot
Salivation
Rapid, shallow breathing
Muscle twitches
Shock
Collapse
Paralysis
Death

Seek veterinary care immediately if a turkey is bitten by a venomous snake. Do NOT try to suck the venom out or place a tourniquet. Keep the turkey calm while seeking immediate veterinary care. Depending on the severity of the bite, treatments may include antivenin, pain medications, fluid therapy, wound treatment, tetanus vaccination, and antibiotics. Check out our Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Animal Sanctuary for some tips on how to dissuade snakes from your property.

Some wood stains and paints can be toxic to residents. Turkeys may try to peck at painted or stained surfaces and can become ill if the stain or paint is toxic. When painting or staining fencing or the exteriors of buildings, look for products that are specially made for barns and fencing and listed as animal or “livestock” friendly. If you choose to paint the interior of an enclosure, we suggest you opt for a zero VOC paint- some are even labeled “pet friendly.” Turkeys are very sensitive to fumes and should be kept away from freshly painted or stained areas until you are certain there are no residual fumes.

See a list of sources for this section of the resource here.

Plants That Are Toxic To Turkeys

Please see The Open Sanctuary Project’s Global Toxic Plant Database and filter Species Afflicted by turkeys to see a list of plants across the world that are toxic to turkeys. Please note that, while extensive, this list may not contain every single plant toxic to turkeys!

Warning: you may never eat turkey again after watching this

FAQ

Are turkeys venomous?

This is a myth. What I know is that a turkey can change the colour of its face from blue to white to pink or red depending on its mood when angry or calm . It is not toxic but very normal.

What are the side effects of eating turkey?

Health Risks Of Eating Turkey There are many pathogens associated with turkey, including clostridium perfringens, campylobacter, and salmonella. These can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and can last a few hours or a few days. They can even cause fatalities.

Are turkeys safe to eat?

A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

How much turkey is toxic for dogs?

No, turkey is not toxic at all to dogs (or cats!). Many dogs enjoy a diet of kibble, wet food, or both that contains turkey as one of the leading ingredients. In fact, turkey contains a wide variety of healthy nutrients for dogs, such as phosphorus, and it is a good source of protein for your pet as well.

Do turkeys eat toxins?

While minor exposure to many of these toxins is unlikely to cause serious problems, large amounts can cause severe health issues and sadly, even death. Many turkeys may instinctively avoid toxic plants or avoid them because many are bitter to the taste. However, some toxins are highly dangerous even in small amounts and others are quite palatable.

What are the health benefits of ground turkey?

Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.

Is Turkey good or bad for You?

Low GI foods like turkey can also help increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in your body. HDL cholesterol travels through the bloodstream and helps to remove “bad” LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can damage the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Do turkeys have diseases?

In turkeys, diseases are usually introduced via external factors — environmental or cross-contamination with other birds. A bit of education can help prevent some of them, or at the very least avoid losses through quick response to issues. A challenge of pastured birds is the buffet of toxic plants at their disposal.