In 2000, there were 167 registered turkey farmers, which produced 62 million kgs of turkey in Ontario, followed by Quebec, western Canada and the Maritimes for a total of 558 farms. Canada ranks sixth out of ten for world turkey production. Most turkeys are raised in specially designed, environmentally controlled barns that provide protection from predators, disease and bad weather.
Barns are well ventilated and well lighted.
Turkeys respond well to good management, and to provide anything less would not be economical. In Canada, Codes of Practice and on-farm quality assurance programs outline best management practices for the care and handling of poultry. In North America, hormones are not approved for use in poultry or egg production. Genetic improvements, better feed formulation and modern management practices are responsible for the larger, healthier turkeys produced today. Approved antibiotics may be used under strict guidelines to help reduce and prevent disease.