Aviagen Turkeys Ltd has unveiled a fascinating new visual project that documents the complete growth and development of turkeys from hatch to 20 weeks of age. The series of photographs captures the birds’ transformation through each stage of their life, illustrating key physical changes in size, feathering, and body structure as they mature.
The visual record highlights how rapidly turkeys develop, evolving through six distinct growth stages that together reflect the precision and care behind modern breeding management.
In the first week, poults are covered in soft yellow down, with small limbs and open but still uncoordinated eyes. Between weeks 1 and 4, growth accelerates, feathers begin to emerge, and mobility improves as the birds strengthen.
From 4 to 8 weeks, the feathering fills in, early caruncles appear, and male birds start to show a size advantage. The 8–12 week period marks the development of larger heads, thicker legs, and elongating snoods in males, along with the first signs of iridescent plumage and tail fans.
By 12–16 weeks, the birds’ muscle mass increases significantly, with caruncles and snoods becoming more defined. Finally, at 16–20 weeks, turkeys achieve full skeletal and muscular maturity, complete feathering, and, in males, the characteristic vivid coloration of the head and neck along with the growth of beards.
The project underscores Aviagen Turkeys’ commitment to combining scientific precision with visual education, helping producers, students, and industry professionals better understand the distinct phases of turkey growth and their management implications.
Watch the full video below
