Target a Desired Weight

Weigh turkeys weekly starting 2-3 weeks before expected processing age using a hanging scale or platform scale. Process each bird once it reaches your target live weight, keeping in mind that dressed carcass weight is approximately 70-75% of live weight.

Why It Works

Turkeys within the same flock grow at different rates depending on genetics, pecking order, and feed access. Weighing individual birds allows you to process each one at its optimal size rather than batch-processing the entire flock at a fixed age, which inevitably means some birds are over-finished and others under-finished.

Tips

• For a 20 lb dressed turkey, target a live weight of approximately 27-29 lbs
• Weigh birds in the morning before feeding for consistent readings
• A hanging fish scale rated to 50 lbs paired with a cloth poultry cone is an inexpensive and effective weighing setup