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. If antibiotics are used, a withdrawal period is required before any animal can be marketed. The eggs are collected daily and carefully stored to be sent to the hatchery.
Turkey beaks can be dangerous to birds and people.
Trained professionals who work in the hatchery trim poults' beaks using micro-waves. Just as children receive their vaccination shots, poults are also vaccinated against the most common turkey diseases through their water or feed. Turkeys are raised in special climate-controlled barns that protect the birds from harsh weather, disease and predators. The turkeys roam free in the barn on a floor that is covered with a soft bed of straw or wood chips. The birds move freely throughout the barn and eat and drink at will.