What Do Turkeys Eat in the Wild and on Farms?

Turkey hunters are well aware of turkey season, and we think of Thanksgiving as the best season to eat turkey, but what do turkeys eat when we're not busy eating them? Arthur Morris / Getty Images

Turkeys have become a traditional dish to eat during Thanksgiving festivities. But have you ever wondered, what do turkeys eat?

Wild turkeys and farm-raised turkeys each have their own unique feeding habits. Because turkeys forage for such a diverse range of foods, they can thrive in forests, grasslands and even suburban areas.

Let's take a look at different types of turkey diets.

What Do Wild Turkeys Eat?

Wild turkeys living in forests and fields eat a mix of natural foods. Unlike their domesticated cousins, they rely on seasonal availability, so their menu changes throughout the year.

In early spring, their diet includes fresh greenery, seeds and insects, which provide essential protein. Since spring turkeys are often focused on finding mates, their diet helps them build energy for the breeding season.

By summer and fall, they munch on berries, acorns and wild grapes, stocking up on nutrients before winter.

Eastern turkeys, one of the most common wild subspecies, are expert foragers and eat whatever is available. This can include small amphibians, nuts and grains from farm fields. But their diet remains mostly plant-based.

How To Feed Domesticated Turkeys

Unlike wild turkeys, which forage for their food, domesticated turkeys rely on humans for their meals. Farmers who focus on raising turkeys for meat or to produce eggs carefully monitor their diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Most farm-raised turkeys eat a controlled diet of grains, proteins and supplements to keep them healthy and growing.

Heritage turkeys, which are closer to their wild ancestors, still retain some natural foraging instincts. In addition to the plant-based food, they may consume insects, worms and other small invertebrates.

How To Feed Young Turkeys

Baby turkeys — also called turkey poults — have different dietary needs compared to adult turkeys.

Their early growth requires high-protein foods, such as insects, small seeds and high-quality turkey feed. Without enough protein, turkey poults may struggle to develop properly, become more susceptible to disease and not be able to fend off predators in the wild.

When raising turkeys on a farm, farmers provide specialized feed to ensure their growth. Chicken feed can work in a pinch, but turkey-specific feed is better for the long-term, as it contains extra nutrients like protein and niacin, tailored for their rapid development.

Poults raised in the wild depend on their mother to lead them to the best food sources, learning to forage for insects and plants as they grow.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.