What Is A Group Of Turkeys Called? Fun Facts About Turkeys

Turkeys are a staple of many American Thanksgiving dinners, but how much do you know about these birds? Do you know what a group of turkeys is called? How big can they get? What do they eat? 

Keep reading for some interesting facts about turkeys.

What Is A Group Of Turkeys Called?

A rafter, flock, or a gang; A group of wild turkeys is called a flock; when domesticated, you refer to them as a rafter of turkeys. You can also refer to them as a gang. Flocks can range in size from a few birds to hundreds of birds.

Adult male turkeys are called toms, while juvenile males are Jakes. Adult females are called Hens, and younger ones are known as Jenny. Baby turkeys and young turkeys with less than one year are called Poults.

Turkey

Turkeys are large, domesticated birds native to North America and most closely related to the chicken. 

Turkeys can be raised on small or large farms and used for meat and eggs. Because they are low in fat and rich in protein, they are a popular meat option.

Domestic turkeys are bred to be much larger than their wild counterparts. The average domestic turkey weighs between 15 and 24 pounds, with toms weighing heavier than hens. Turkeys can live for up to 10 years when domesticated and up to 5 in the wild.

Turkeys are usually white or black and have a characteristic red wattle or fleshy protuberance on their heads. They are distinctively long-necked.

How Many Turkeys Are In A Flock?

There is no definitive answer to this question. This is because the numbers in a flock can vary greatly depending on the size, age, and season. 

Generally speaking, however, a typical flock of turkeys will contain anywhere from 10 to 30 birds. 

However, flocks can range in size from just a few birds to as many as 100 or more. During mating season, a flock can be as large as 200 birds.

Why Turkeys Flock Together

There are a few reasons why turkeys flock together:

• One is that it makes them feel safer. A group of turkeys is harder for predators to take down than a single turkey. 
• Another reason is that the flocking instinct helps them conserve energy. They can keep warm and avoid being scattered by the wind by staying together.
• Turkeys also flock together is to breed. The male turkeys will strut their stuff in front of the females and compete for their attention. The more females there are in a group, the more chances the males have to mate.

What Do Turkeys Eat?

Turkeys are omnivorous animals that eat various things, depending on their location. In the wild, turkeys mostly eat insects, seeds, and berries. Domestic turkeys are usually fed a diet of corn, soybean meal, and wheat.

Conclusion

We’ve shared some fun facts about turkeys that you may not have known in this article. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about these interesting creatures! If you’re interested in reading more, be sure to follow our blog for future posts on all things related to turkeys.