Most people are familiar with the term "chick" as it refers to young chickens, but few know the term for a young turkey. You might be surprised to learn that baby turkeys, depending on if they are domestic or wild, have a different name.
A baby turkey is officially called a poult if it's less than 4 weeks old and is a domestic turkey. However, if the baby turkey is wild, it's referred to as a chick. As soon as they hatch, turkey poults are active and learn quickly from older birds. They usually stay under the care of their mother for about four to five months.
Beyond poults and chicks, other terms signify the gender and maturity of a turkey. For example, adult male turkeys are called Toms or Gobblers, depending on the region. Juvenile males are called Jakes. Adult females are generally referred to as hens, while juvenile females are known as Jennies.
Turkeys communicate through a variety of sounds, including gobbles, kee-kees, yelps, and purrs. Male turkeys, or gobblers, are larger than females, weighing between 16-25 pounds. Females, on the other hand, weigh about 9-12 pounds. While turkeys can be aggressive, their bold behavior can often be discouraged with loud noises, water from a hose, or a leashed dog.
In Massachusetts, hunting wild turkeys require certain licenses and equipment, such as archery, shotguns, or muzzleloaders. The state has successfully reintroduced about 35,000 wild turkeys, making them an important natural resource.
Considering that the average American consumes about 16.4 pounds of turkey each year, according to the National Turkey Federation, baby turkeys, or poults, don't remain young for very long.
People care for baby turkeys could benefit from tips on how to raise them to maturity for optimal health. Detailed information about their eggs, feathers, and the transition from being a poult to a grown turkey can be very helpful.
For readers interested in turkey symbolism and history, it's noteworthy that Benjamin Franklin once proposed the Wild Turkey as the national bird of the United States. He admired the bird's courage and believed it was more respectable than the Bald Eagle, currently the national bird. This historical connection has led to some turkey enthusiasts naming their turkey family Benjamin and Deborah, after Benjamin Franklin and his wife.
For additional context and information on this topic, you can refer to the Turkey vs Bird Garden Statue article.
