Ever seen a tiny, fluffy turkey and wondered, “What is a baby turkey called?” The correct term for a baby turkey is a poult. This name is used from the time the turkey hatches until it grows enough to resemble a juvenile or adult bird.
What Exactly Is a Poult?
A poult is the official name for a young turkey, whether male or female, typically under 4 to 5 weeks old. Poults are covered in soft down feathers and are highly dependent on their mother (the hen) for warmth, protection, and food guidance.
Key characteristics of a poult include:
- Fluffy, down-covered body
- Small beak and tiny legs
- Strong following instinct—they stay close to their mother
- Rapid growth and development within weeks
Life Stages of a Turkey
Turkeys go through several stages as they mature. Understanding each phase helps you identify turkeys in the wild or on a farm.
| Stage | Name | Age Range | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | Poult | 0–4 weeks | Fluffy, small, stays near mother |
| Juvenile (Female) | Jenny | 1–12 months | Feathers developing, more independent |
| Juvenile (Male) | Jake | 1–12 months | Small beard may start, smaller than adult toms |
| Adult (Female) | Hen | 12+ months | Nests, lays eggs, leads poults |
| Adult (Male) | Tom or Gobbler | 12+ months | Full beard, fan-shaped tail, struts |
How Are Poults Born?
Turkeys lay eggs in nests on the ground, often hidden in tall grass or brush. A typical clutch contains 8 to 14 eggs. The hen incubates the eggs for about 28 days until they hatch. Once hatched, poults can walk and follow their mother almost immediately.
Important facts about turkey hatching:
- Hens lay one egg per day until the clutch is complete.
- All eggs hatch around the same time—within 24 hours of each other.
- Poults begin feeding within a day, learning from their mother.
What Do Baby Turkeys Eat?
In the wild, poults eat a diet rich in protein. Their early diet includes:
- Insects like grasshoppers and beetles
- Seeds and small plants
- Worms and tiny grubs
On farms or in controlled environments, poults are typically fed starter feed high in protein to promote healthy growth.
How Fast Do Poults Grow?
Poults grow quickly. Within a few weeks, they begin to look more like small adult turkeys. By 6 to 8 weeks, they are often capable of short flights and begin to show early traits like feather patterns and slight differences in body size between jakes and jennies.
Milestones in growth:
- 1 week: Starts exploring under mother’s watch
- 2–3 weeks: Rapid feather growth begins
- 6–8 weeks: Can fly into low branches or fences
- 12 weeks and beyond: Begin to separate into jakes and jennies
Predators and Risks to Baby Turkeys
Poults are especially vulnerable in the wild. Common predators include:
- Foxes and coyotes
- Hawks and owls
- Snakes
- Raccoons
This is why mother turkeys are very protective and keep their poults close at all times. Turkeys use thick cover and group movement for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a poult and a chick?
Both terms refer to baby birds, but “chick” is used for chickens. “Poult” is specific to turkeys and some other game birds like pheasants.
Are baby turkeys raised differently on farms?
Yes. Poults raised on farms receive heat lamps, special feed, and protection from predators, ensuring higher survival rates compared to wild poults.
How long do turkeys stay with their mother?
Poults typically stay with the hen for 4 to 6 months. During this time, they learn survival skills, feeding behavior, and flock socialization.
Conclusion: Now You Know What a Baby Turkey Is Called
The next time you spot a tiny turkey following its mother through the woods or across a field, you’ll know—it’s a poult. These little birds play a big role in turkey survival and population growth. Whether you’re a hunter, bird enthusiast, or just curious, understanding turkey life stages helps you appreciate the fascinating world of these smart, social birds.
Want to learn more about wild turkeys and their behaviors? Explore our wildlife guides and stay informed!