Female turkeys have blue-grey flesh that may be visible beneath the feathers on their heads.
While female turkey feathers are a little bit shiny, they aren’t nearly as iridescent as a male turkey’s are.
Adult male spurs are usually at least 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) long, while juvenile male spurs are stubby and shorter than 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm). [7] X Research source Spurs help male turkeys fight other males during breeding season, which is why you don’t see them on female birds. [8] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source
Most adult turkey breast feathers are squared off at the ends, while younger turkey breast feathers are more curved at the ends. This info only applies to wild turkeys. If you have a domesticated turkey, it likely has completely white feathers. [10] X Research source It might be easier to take a closer look at a feather that the turkey dropped.
Juvenile turkey beards are only 3 to 5 in (7. 6 to 12. 7 cm) long, while older turkeys have beards that are 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm) long. [12] X Research source A small percentage of female turkeys also have beards, so they aren’t a conclusive way to sex your birds. Don’t confuse the beard with the caruncle or snood! Caruncles are fleshy growths on top of the head and snoods are fleshy growths hanging over the bill of the bird. Both sexes have these growths, even though the snood of an adult male is usually somewhat larger than that of a female turkey. [13] X Research source
Male turkeys tend to fan their feathers during the turkey breeding season. [15] X Research source Turkey breeding season really depends on where you live, but it often happens between February and April. [16] X Research source Juvenile male turkeys fan out their tail feathers unevenly, while adult males fan their feathers out in a smooth arc. [17] X Research source Throughout the breeding season, male turkeys often strut around while fanning out their tail feathers. [18] X Research source However, female birds occasionally strut as well, so this behavior isn’t a 100% conclusive way to sex a turkey. [19] X Research source
Don’t pick up a bird unless you feel really comfortable doing so. Baby turkeys look very similar when they’re young, which is why they can be difficult to sex at a young age. It’s easier to sex turkeys as they mature and develop more distinct characteristics.
Some common aggressive turkey behaviors include pecking and fighting. [24] X Research source
