What Do You Call a Baby Turkey? Exploring the Terminology for Young Turkeys

As Thanksgiving approaches and turkey images abound, it’s common to see adorable photos of fuzzy baby turkeys pop up as well. But what exactly are these downy little birds called? As it turns out, there are a few different terms used to describe newborn and juvenile turkeys

Common Names for Baby Turkeys

The most widespread terms for a baby turkey are:

• Poult – The most frequently used name, originally from the French “poulet” meaning young fowl Applicable to domesticated turkeys

• Chick – The simple, generic baby bird term that can be applied to any young turkey.

• Turkeyling – An informal name sometimes used, a play on duckling and gosling.

So if you want to get technical, “poult” is used for domestic turkey young and “chick” for wild turkeys. But in general, all baby turkeys can accurately be called either one.

Exploring the Stages of Turkey Development

Turkeys go through distinct phases in their early development:

• Poult – For the first 6-8 weeks after hatching. Downy, cute, and vulnerable.

• Fledgling – Once old enough to fly short distances at 2-4 weeks. Gaining independence.

• Juvenile – From 2-5 months old, starting to resemble mature adults.

• Young adult – 5-7 months old, completing growth and maturing sexually.

The various terms denote the growth process of turkeys from fluffy newborns to fully-grown birds.

Gender-Specific Baby Turkey Names

Male and female turkeys can also go by specialized names:

• Jake – A juvenile male turkey under 1 year old.

• Jenny – A juvenile female turkey under 1 year old.

• Tom – A male adult turkey capable of breeding.

• Hen – A mature adult female turkey.

So a male turkey progresses from poult to jake and finally a tom, while females go from poult to jenny to mature hen.

What Do You Call a Group of Baby Turkeys?

A flock! Baby turkeys form flocks consisting of a mother hen and her poults up to a few months old. Juveniles then band together in mixed flocks.

Other turkey collective terms like “rafter” or “gaggle” can be used for groups of adults. But for young ones, a flock is most fitting.

Naming Specific Baby Turkey Breeds

There are 6 wild subspecies and 10 domesticated breeds of turkey, each with their own characteristics. Some have specialized names as poults:

• Royal Palm – White with black, brown spots

• Bourbon Red – Rich brown plumage

• Narragansett – Gray and tan striped pattern

• Standard Bronze – Lustrous black coat

• Beltsville Small White – Compact size, quick growth

But most breeds can simply be called “poult” or “chick” in their youth.

What Should I Name the Baby Turkey Visiting My Yard?

When adorable wild turkeys decide to visit, it’s tempting to name these charming birds. Some popular options:

• Food names like Cranberry, Yam, Stuffing, or Pumpkin

• Fall-themed names like Autumn, Harvest, or November

• Native American tribe names like Cherokee, Seneca, or Dakota

• Names for turkey’s native lands like Mesa, Pueblo, or Jerky

• Thanksgiving related like Pilgrim, Mayflower, or Cornucopia

Choose names meaningful to you! But first do some research to determine if the young visitors are males or females for suitability.

To recap, the main terminology used for baby turkeys includes:

• Poult – Common domesticated turkey young

• Chick – Simple term for any baby turkey

• Fledgling and juvenile – Indicating stage of development

• Tom and hen – Adult male and female turkeys

Learning the various terms for turkeys at each age and stage helps appreciate how they grow and mature into the centerpiece of so many Thanksgiving meals.