While turkeys and chickens are both familiar farm birds, successful mating and producing offspring is not possible. Though interspecies mating attempts might occur, biological barriers prevent the creation of a true hybrid.
Why Turkeys and Chickens Don’t Mix
The primary reason turkeys and chickens cannot produce viable offspring lies in their distinct genetic makeup. Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) have 39 pairs of chromosomes (78 total), while turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have 40 pairs (80 total). This difference creates an incompatibility; even if fertilization occurred, the resulting embryo would likely have an abnormal set of chromosomes, preventing development.
Beyond genetics, significant anatomical and behavioral differences further hinder successful interbreeding. Male turkeys are considerably larger and heavier than most chicken hens, which makes physical copulation difficult and potentially harmful to the hen. Mating in birds, often referred to as a “cloacal kiss,” involves the brief touching of the male and female cloacae for sperm transfer. The substantial size disparity between a male turkey and a female chicken makes this precise maneuver challenging.
Courtship rituals and mating behaviors of turkeys and chickens also differ considerably. Male turkeys, or toms, engage in elaborate displays involving gobbling, strutting, and fanning their tail feathers to attract hens. Chickens have their own distinct courtship behaviors, such as the rooster’s “waltzing display” and tidbitting. These differing signals mean that even if physical barriers were overcome, the birds may not recognize or respond to each other’s mating cues, reducing the likelihood of a successful attempt.
The Truth About the “Turken”
The term “Turken” often leads to confusion, as it suggests a hybrid cross between a turkey and a chicken. However, the “Turken” is not a hybrid but a distinct breed of chicken known scientifically as the Naked Neck chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus). This breed earned its misleading nickname due to its unfeathered neck and vent, which gives it a superficial resemblance to a turkey.
The unique appearance of the Naked Neck chicken results from a genetic mutation causing reduced feather growth, particularly on the neck. This trait is controlled by an incompletely dominant allele. Despite its turkey-like neck, the Naked Neck chicken is a pure chicken breed that breeds true. It has been recognized by poultry associations for decades and is known for traits like heat tolerance and good meat production.