Healthy, happy animals grow better - producers do not gain anything by mistreating their flocks and there is certainly no incentive to do so. All turkeys raised in B.C. live in large barns and are free-run. Turkeys do not suffer from overcrowding. Agriculture and Agrifood Canada's recommended code of practice for the care and handling of poultry recommends up to 4 square feet of space per bird depending on their size. Barns often have windows and are always well ventilated to protect turkeys from respiratory diseases which are a major concern to producers.
Many barns have side doors which open to let turkeys outside.
A proper climate is always maintained to ensure maximum comfort level for the birds and the birds have access to food and water at all times. Turkeys respond very well to good management and to provide anything less would not be economical. A turkey producer does not get paid for birds that do not arrive at the processing plant alive so there is certainly no incentive to crowd birds on the trucks. This procedure is carried out quickly and humanely. Antibiotic feeds are used at minimal levels to maintain the bird's health.