Like many domesticated and wild animals, young turkeys are known by specific names that change as they mature. Understanding these terms offers insight into the bird’s life stage and biological development.
The Definitive Name for a Young Turkey
The most accurate and widely recognized name for a newly hatched turkey is a poult. This term is generally applied from the moment it hatches until the bird reaches approximately five to six weeks of age. Although the general term “chick” is sometimes used interchangeably, “poult” is the specific designation used by farmers and wildlife biologists. This initial period is characterized by rapid growth and reliance on the mother hen for warmth and protection.
Naming Turkeys by Age and Sex
As the young turkey matures past the poult stage, the terminology becomes specific to its gender. A juvenile male turkey in its first year is known as a Jake, and a young female of the same age is referred to as a Jenny or Jennie. These terms classify the birds as juveniles, differentiating them from mature adults, which are known as Toms (or Gobblers) for males and Hens for females.
Distinguishing Jakes from Toms
Jakes can be distinguished from mature Toms by several physical traits, including shorter leg spurs and a shorter beard, which is a tuft of modified feathers on the chest. Furthermore, when a Jake fans his tail, the central feathers are often noticeably longer than the rest. The transition from poult to Jake or Jenny happens when the bird is no longer dependent on the mother for warmth and has developed the ability to fly.
Characteristics of Turkey Poults
At hatching, a turkey poult is a tiny bird, typically weighing less than two ounces. They are covered in soft down, often featuring subtle stripes that provide camouflage from aerial predators. Poults are considered precocial, meaning they are mobile and alert almost immediately after hatching, allowing them to follow the hen and begin foraging within a day.
Their early diet is heavily focused on protein, primarily consisting of insects, which is necessary for the rapid development of flight feathers. The quick growth allows them to fly short distances and roost in trees by approximately two weeks old, a major milestone for survival. They do not yet display prominent adult features, such as the colorful, fleshy caruncles or the long snood on the head.