How to Tell a Domestic Gobbler From a Hen

Turkeys are birds indigenous to the Americas. These large birds provide a good warning system as well as a noble presence to any large yard or farm. Turkey hens lay eggs, and both sexes make interesting pets and farm additions. They are curious and active birds and come in a variety of breeds ranging in color from white to red. Some of the breeds are the bourbon red, black Spanish, blue slate and the striking black and white royal palm. No matter the color, the tom (gobbler) is distinctly different from the hen in both physical and behavioral characteristics.

Things You'll Need

Male turkey (any breed)
Female turkey (any breed)

Instructions

- 1
  Notice that tom turkeys are much stouter and more compact than the more elongated and "tighter" shape of the hen. Watch for the strutting action of the tom as he holds his neck close to the body in a "proud" swan-like arch. The tom is also quite vocal (characteristic "gobble"). Look for a broader breast held in a proud and lifted manner. Hens hold their necks outstretched and walk with a more languid and lithe chicken-like motion. Note that the hen does not strut and has a narrower breast held at a more horizontal angle.
- 2
  Note that the plumage of the tom is more dramatic than the hen with a fan-shaped tail (spread during the dramatic mating display) and a denser, fuller set of body feathers. Compare this to the tighter feathering of the hen with her straight and blunt-ended tail. Note that some toms have longer legs than the hen and will have spurs on the lower legs.
- 3
  Look at the head of the birds as the tom has a more colorful skin depending on breed, a longer snood (draping across the beak), more masculine facial features (larger beak, smaller eye set upon a rugged face), coarser and bumpier caruncles (skin bumps) and a fleshier dewlap (loose skin along the neck). Toms have a beard that hangs from their breast. Note that the hen has a refined more feminine face with a smaller snood and a larger eye.