Aviagen Turkeys Ltd have recently completed taking a series of photographs capturing our birds from 0 to 20 weeks of age. The images document the growth and development over time highlighting the changes that occur as the birds mature, including variations in feathering, overall size and shape. By tracking their progress visually, we can clearly see how each stage contributes towards their transformation from day old poults.
We see the birds develop rapidly through six distinct stages. In the first week they are covered in yellow down with short, stubby limbs and open but uncoordinated eyes. From 1–4 weeks they grow quickly, begin developing feathers, and gain stronger mobility. By 4–8 weeks feathers fill in, caruncles begin forming, and males start growing larger. During 8–12 weeks males develop larger heads, thicker legs, elongating snoods, and iridescent feathers; tail fans also start appearing. At 12–16 weeks muscle mass increases, and caruncles and snoods fully develop. Finally, by 16–20 weeks, the birds reach full feathering, skeletal and muscular maturity, with males displaying vivid head/neck coloration and developing beards.
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