Raising Turkey VS Chickens

Inside: Raising turkeys vs chickens? Learn the key differences in size, feed, housing, cost, and purpose to choose the best poultry for your homestead.

Are you trying to decide between raising turkeys vs chickens on your homestead? Both are excellent poultry options, but they serve different purposes and require different care. Chickens are often the first step into backyard farming (they were for us too), while turkeys tend to come later once you’re ready for larger birds. If you’re comparing the two, understanding their differences will help you choose what fits your space, budget, and goals.

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Table of Contents

Raising Turkey VS Chickens: Key Differences

Size and Space Requirements

One of the biggest differences between turkeys and chickens is their size.

Turkeys are significantly larger birds. A full-grown turkey can weigh anywhere from 20 to 40+ pounds, while most chickens fall between 3 and 8 pounds. Even standard Brahma chickens aren't as big as a turkey.

Because of this, turkeys need:

More coop space per bird
Taller housing
Larger outdoor runs or pasture

If you’re working with limited space, chickens are usually the better fit. Turkeys thrive best when they have plenty of room to roam. I would never raise turkeys in a run again; maybe someday we'll be in a place to free-range some.

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Feed and Nutrition

Turkeys and chickens have very different nutritional needs.

Turkeys require a higher protein diet, especially when they’re young. Turkey starter feed is typically around 24–28% protein, compared to chicken starter feed, which is lower (18-22%).

This is also why turkey feed is often used for quail—they all need that extra protein early on.

Key differences:

Turkeys = generally more expensive to feed – bigger means more feed
Turkeys = higher protein needs
Chickens = more flexible feeding options

Housing Differences

Because of their size, turkeys need a different setup than chickens.

Turkeys require:

Larger coops with more headroom
Wider and sturdier roosts
More ventilation due to their size

Chickens are easier to house and adapt well to smaller coops and runs.

One important note: while turkeys and chickens can free-range together, it’s not recommended to keep them confined in the same run due to health risks (like blackhead disease).

Behavior and Temperament

Both turkeys and chickens are social birds, but their personalities are a bit different.

Chickens:

Independent
Curious and busy
Easy to manage in flocks

Turkeys:

Extremely friendly and curious
Often more interactive with people
Known to follow you around like pets

From experience, both can be sweet birds, especially when raised from a young age. Turkeys just tend to be a bit more… involved in your daily life.

Purpose: Meat vs Eggs

Your goals play a big role in choosing between turkeys and chickens.

Chickens are typically raised for:

Consistent egg production
Meat (especially broiler breeds)

Turkeys are primarily raised for:

Meat production

While chickens provide a steady supply of eggs, turkeys are more of a seasonal investment for a larger meat yield. And the best turkey dinner you will ever eat.

Cost and Time Investment

Turkeys generally cost more to raise than chickens.

Here’s why:

Higher feed consumption
Longer grow-out period
More space required

While turkeys produce more meat per bird, they take longer to raise compared to meat chickens, which are bred for rapid growth.

Chickens, especially layers, offer a quicker return through eggs. You don't have to buy eggs, and you can sell the excess at a roadside stand; prices in my area (Southern Nova Scotia) are between $4-6 a dozen.

Can You Raise Turkeys and Chickens Together?

Yes—but with caution.

Free-ranging together is usually fine
Keeping them in the same enclosed run is not recommended
Turkeys are susceptible to diseases that chickens can carry without symptoms

If you plan to raise both, it’s best to:

Keep separate housing
Use separate feeders and waterers
Practice good biosecurity

When comparing raising turkeys vs chickens, it really comes down to your homesteading goals.

Choose chickens if you want:

Daily eggs
Lower costs
Easier care for beginners

Choose turkeys if you want:

Larger meat yield
A more seasonal project
Friendly, interactive birds

And honestly? You don’t always have to choose. Many homesteaders (us included) eventually raise both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are easier to raise chickens or turkeys? Except for the space that raising turkeys requires turkeys are easier to keep than chickens. They are docile, regal birds that move across the yard with a certain air of sophistication.

Do turkeys bond with humans? Turkeys form strong social bonds and show affection towards one another. Turkeys are gentle creatures who enjoy socializing with human companions and protecting other turkeys with whom they've bonded.