neck color

[spikeboy]

I was wondering what it means when the skin on the turkey's neck changes color. It goes from a grayish pink to a bight red. thank you for any info on this

 

[frank53061]

Good chance thats a male if theres a lot of red and there maybe blue as well comming thats there mating colors and will increase as they get older and into mateing season.

At the base of the neck there are whort looking things called caruncles that will realy be red big ones mean its a male also.
The snoods as well will be longer on the males the worm looking things above there beaks and they can change the size as well.

 

[Chambertin]

If the turkeys flush red that means they are excited.

Could be scared, could mean happy, I say it usually means they are happy.
I have two that look like red light bulbs when they see the feed bowl come out of the bag.

Its also a great indicator of if your turkey is sick or just sluggish. They dont flush nearly as much and stay a more pale shade at rest if they are sick. If they are just a little under the weather or finally turn for the better you'll see that hard red flush come back to them.

Even in the extreme heat (like Florida) just panting away and drinking water they will still flush when happy.

If they are young its a good way to sex the bird. The male will flush much deeper in the lower neck, the wattle under the chin, and around the beak. However this can also depend on breed. I've only had experience with what look to be Black Spanish mixes. As I always say, breeds are different once you cross the Pacific.

 

[KrisH]

wait till they turn blue. much more than this even

RobertH