Turkens Breed Guide

One of the most unusual chicken breeds, Turkens aren’t actually the product of breeding turkeys and chickens (although they might look that way). Their featherless necks that resemble a turkey’s neck are their most distinctive feature, and you may also see them referred to as Naked Neck chickens. Don’t let their appearance detract from their other qualities – these chickens lay a fair number of eggs. With live birds and poultry supplies to support new and experienced keepers, Tractor Supply also gives you the basics on breeds such as Turkens.  

Quick Facts

• Breed type: Egg

• Egg color: Brown

• Pen or free-range: Both 

• Temperament: Calm and friendly 

Turken quick facts:

• Lifespan: 7-8 years 

• Weight: Females (hens): 5.5-6.5 lbs.; Males (roosters): 7.5-8.5 lbs.

• Appearance: Varies, featherless (naked) necks  

• Egg production: 200 – 260 eggs/year

• Good for beginners: Yes

Summary

• Turkens have bare necks and a variety of plumage colors, giving them a distinct, easily recognizable look. 

• They are calm, curious and easy to handle, making them great for beginners, families and mixed flocks. 

• Turken chickens are dual-purpose, known for being reliable egg layers and suitable for meat production. 

• They are easy to care for overall and generally hardy in hot and cold climates, though their exposed necks may need to be protected in extreme cold.

History of Turkens

Turkens have another name that reflects the breed's history: Transylvanian Naked Necks. Throughout the 19th century, these chickens were valued in Transylvania, which was part of Hungary at the time, for their egg-laying capabilities, meat and foraging skills, plus hardiness in various climates. In 1875, the Turken was shown at a poultry exhibition in Vienna, and its popularity soon spread across Europe.

German breeders especially appreciated Turkens, and it was here that the breed was perfected and distributed widely. Surprisingly, Turkens weren’t very popular in Hungary (where they were first bred), as many breeders disliked their appearance. Imported breeds gained more prominence, such as Brahmas and Plymouth Rocks, and Turkens were endangered by the early 1900s. 

Today, Turkens remain popular in parts of Europe, particularly Germany and France, but they are rarer in North America. Still, the American Poultry Association (APA) began recognizing the breed in 1965 and has accepted the Buff, Red and White varieties.

Temperament and Good-to-Knows

What Turkens lack in appearance, they make up for in personality, although some admire their unusual look. These chickens have a docile, friendly disposition and are easy to handle, making them ideal for beginners. Other key aspects to know before you introduce Turkens to your flock include:

• Free-range foragers: Since they like to forage, Turkens thrive in free-range settings but are adaptable to confinement as well.

• Hardy in cold and hot conditions: With half as many feathers as other chicken breeds, Turkens are exceptionally heat-tolerant but also do well in cold climates.

• Mothers are sometimes broody: With fewer feathers, Turken hens aren’t the best brooders, but they can insulate a small number of eggs.

Expert tip: While hardy, extreme cold can be a concern for these birds, as their reduced feathers leave them vulnerable in certain areas. To help protect exposed skin from frostbite, slip a soft fabric neck gaiter or a modified sock over their neck. While this can be effective, it should never take the place of proper coop management, which is essential for keeping your chickens comfortable during extreme winter weather.

Visual and Egg Characteristics

Despite the lack of crossbreeding with chickens and turkeys, the name Turken has stuck due to the breed’s appearance. Of course, those who breed Turkens know that their appeal is about more than looks, as these dual-purpose birds offer eggs and meat. 

Physical Characteristics

It’s in their nickname – Naked Neck chickens have no feathers on their faces or around their elongated necks. When exposed to the sun, their necks turn red, and it’s then that they most resemble turkeys. Necks on roosters are redder, while they’re slightly paler on hens. Besides the three different color patterns the APA recognizes (Buff, Red, White), Turkens might also have black, blue or cuckoo feathers. Some Turkens have double or pea combs, even though the APA only recognizes single-comb varieties. 

Historically, the primary reason for breeding Naked Neck chickens is to simplify plucking for meat production. With their stout and muscular bodies, it’s clear that Turkens have their place as meat birds, even though many prefer them for their eggs. Average weights differ depending on the specific variant, but APA standards indicate weight ranges are between 7.5-8.5 pounds for roosters and 5.5-6.5 pounds for hens. 

Egg Production

If you maintain a homestead and want a decent number of eggs for cooking, these birds lay about 200-260 medium-to-large eggs per year. Their eggs have an appealing brown egg color.

Expert tip: During hot weather, Turken egg production often remains steadier than that of heavily featured breeds. You can support this advantage by ensuring your birds have constant access to cool water and shaded nesting areas. These practices will help prevent slowdowns related to high temperatures. 

Health and Care of Turkens

Even without as many feathers to cover them up, Turkens are a very hardy breed and immune to most diseases that might affect chickens. However, you don’t want to introduce any poultry to your backyard, farm or ranch without the supplies to give them a good life. Essential items your flock will need include: 

• Coops, pens and nesting boxes: Even free-range flocks need a safe place to go in the evening, so provide coops and pens with enough space for the number of poultry in your flock. Don’t forget nesting boxes, which hens need to be comfortable when laying. 

• Poultry feed and treats: Nutritious poultry feed helps Turkens maintain a balanced diet, and the occasional poultry treat lets you show your appreciation for your flock.

• Poultry bedding: Litter, such as shavings, helps keep a coop dry and clean, and nesting pads and herbs facilitate a comfortable, relaxing environment for hens. 

• Poultry feeders and waterers: Have enough poultry feeders in the coop or run so every chicken in the flock can stay well-fed, plus an adequate number of poultry waterers to ensure they’re hydrated.  

• Coop heaters: Although Turkens can tolerate the cold, their lack of feathers on the face and neck means they need additional warmth to protect them from frostbite or other issues when the air is chilly.

• Brooders and accessories: When chicks hatch, they need a place to stay warm while their feathers develop before they can join the rest of the flock.

• Supplies for hatching eggs: Since hens can only keep a small number of eggs warm at once, you might want incubators and related parts and accessories for hatching chicks. If you just want their eggs, egg-collecting supplies can come in handy.

• Poultry health and wellness: Products, such as poultry fly and pest control solutions, protect against the spread of disease-carrying insects in coops and pens, while dewormers manage internal parasites. If your chickens sustain cuts or other minor injuries, poultry first-aid supplies let you tend to them quickly to help prevent infections.

• Poultry vitamins and supplements: Vitamins come in tasty flavors and forms that chickens gobble right up while offering health benefits to boost their well-being, such as egg production, digestion support and general wellness.

Expert tip: Because a Turken’s bare neck makes health changes more visible, you should get in the habit of checking neck color and texture regularly. Pale, flaky or swollen skin is often an early warning sign of illness or nutritional imbalance. Addressing health concerns early can help prevent minor issues from progressing to major problems. 

Find Everything Your Flock Needs at Tractor Supply

They’re not a cross between a chicken and a turkey after all, but Turkens are still sought-after for their eggs and meat, and their one-of-a-kind appearance can be amusing. If you want to add Turkens or other poultry breeds to your flock, turn to our wide range of supplies to get started. Visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Turken Chickens 

Are Turken chickens part turkey? 

No. Despite their name and similar physical characteristics, Turkens are 100% chickens. Their naked necks, which mimic turkeys’, are caused by a naturally occurring gene that reduces feather growth, not crossbreeding with actual turkeys.

Are Turken chickens a good breed for beginners? 

Yes. Their hardy nature, calm personalities and relatively low-maintenance requirements make them a good choice for first-time keepers. 

Can Turkens handle cold weather? 

Yes, but with proper care. Their exposed necks may need protection from extreme cold, wind and frostbite through correct coop design and secondary measures.

Are Turken chickens dual-purpose? 

Yes. In addition to being dependable layers, these birds offer a generous supply of meat. Their bodies dress out efficiently, and their reduced feathering makes processing easier compared to heavily feathered chickens.