Are turkeys on Thanksgiving boys or girls?

Answer 1

This was the topic of discussion this past Thanksgiving. I did my research, as I too was curious. I discovered most female turkeys are used for Thanksgiving. They get a faster turn over on the farms with the females, as they grow faster than the males. Most male turkey meat is used for deli products and turkey burgers, as they can get up to 35 lbs. , which is way to big to fit in an oven. Males ARE called Toms, Females called HENS, younger birds are called JAKES. Females also have more meat on them for the size they are. Females do cost more than a male, but again, most turkeys are females.

Answer 2

Both... equal opportunity turkey slaughter year-round.

Same with chickens raised for meat. Egg-laying hens are obviously female. Their male chicks are killed immediately because they don't have any economic value. The female chicks end up in battery cages until they are slaughtered for cheap meat. Google "battery cages" -- it's horrific.