What is the difference between domestic and wild turkeys

The domestic turkey has been bred through hundreds of generations to have shorter legs and is much slower on its feet. Easy prey and not-so-easy prey. The wild turkey survives and even thrives in a world of predators. The domestic turkey has lost its instinct for and abilities at survival in the wild, and is easy prey for predators.

Noisy flocks. Wild turkeys, while known for their gobbles, cackles, putts and purrs, during most of their lives are much quieter than the constantly clucking domestic turkey. A wild turkey as consistently noisy as a domestic turkey would not survive for very long.

Black and white. Although domestic turkeys can be bred to closely resemble wild turkeys, domestics normally are bred white to avoid darker skin coloration associated with non-white feathers.

Wild turkeys rely on their dark brown and black plumage as camouflage. Stealthy birds. Domestic turkeys exhibit no fear of humans.

Much more wary and stealthy, wild turkeys are considered one of the most difficult of game animals to successfully hunt consistently. They don't miss much. Wild turkeys have some of the most acute eyesight of any bird species.

While the eyesight of domestic turkeys does not seem to have tested to any degree, they generally have no need for strong eyesight and likely has lost some of their ability through generations of domestic breeding. Less breast, more intense flavor. Wild turkey must not be overcooked because it would become too dry. It is known for its slight gaminess, slightly firm texture and its dark meat. Our familiar sheep, cows, goats, dogs, cats and chickens all trace back to wild animals in Europe or Asia.

The turkey, however, has its roots firmly planted in North America. Mesoamerican cultures first began raising turkeys between 2, and 3, years ago according to archeological evidence, but a journal article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that the Anasazi people of the southwestern United States also domesticated these birds. Not only for their meat, but also for their feathers.

The latter was used for ceremonial dress, while turkey bones served as tools. Spanish conquistadors arriving in what is now Central America were impressed by the large birds that the Aztecs kept in their villages, both for their size and the quality of the meat they produced. One of the great prizes that the conquistadores carried back to Europe from the Americas in the s was not boatloads of gold or a map to the fountain of youth, but rather the domesticated wild turkey.

After being introduced to Spain the wild turkey became a fixture in Europe. A century later, Europeans who set out to explore the New England shores brought these domesticated birds with them—only to find the American wilderness was already stocked with wild turkeys. Domestication has resulted in turkeys that are larger, heavier and more docile. These domesticated turkeys produce more meat at a younger age. Currently there are a number of domestic turkey breeds including the Broad Breasted White, the favorite bird of commercial turkey farmers and very likely the bird that lands upon your Thanksgiving plate between the sweet potatoes and cranberry jelly , the Broad Breasted Bronze, Bourbon White, Narragansett and Spanish Black.

The latter derived from the first birds brought to Spain. These modern birds found in American supermarkets represent a mix of genetics from the original turkeys first brought to this country by European settlers and captured native birds. Related: Top 10 wild turkey facts. These now domesticated turkeys then spread rapidly through Europe and were introduced in England between and , where they were highly sought after for gourmet dinners.

After the domestic turkey spread across Europe in the s, the colonists who settled the New World brought these tasty birds with them across the Atlantic back to the land of their origin. Domestic stock from Europe was eventually crossbred with the wild turkeys of North America, leading to the six most common standard domestic varieties in the United States: Bronze, Black, Narranganset, Bourbon Red, Slate and White Holland. While the attributes of wild turkeys have been historically important in enhancing domestic breeds, the flow of genetic material in the other direction is not encouraged.

State law prohibits the release of pen-raised turkeys due to the possibility of introducing disease into wild birds and because of the danger of contaminating the wild turkey gene pool. Edit Close. Toggle navigation Menu. Facebook Twitter. Coronavirus Updates. Click here for the latest Coronavirus Updates.