R. Scott Beyer, extension poultry specialist at Kansas State University, shares some facts about turkeys. Birds of a different feather. The turkey in the wild is a bronze-colored turkey, while commercially grown turkeys have white feathers. Wild turkeys can fly somewhat, but commercial turkeys cannot fly at all. However, commercial turkeys have very strong leg muscles and are excellent jumpers.
Commercial turkeys are much bigger than wild turkeys.
Some of the males used for breeding can weigh up to 85 pounds. If the sound of a plane or other loud noise frightens them, they might crowd along a fence, climbing on top of each other. Most commercial turkeys are now raised inside, and piling is one reason why. Many people think turkeys are dumber than chickens or vice versa. Beyer says there is no way to assess this, but if an unfamiliar person approaches a group of turkeys, the turkeys will come up and gather around the newcomer.