Turkeys, like other birds, have a genetic sex determination system, where the presence of specific sex chromosomes determines their gender. In turkeys, males have a ZZ chromosome configuration, while females have a ZW configuration. This means that, by default, turkeys are born either male or female, and their sex is determined at the genetic level.
Unlike some fish and reptiles, where environmental factors can influence the sex of individuals, there is no known mechanism for turkeys to change their gender. Once a turkey is born male or female, it remains that way for its entire life. Avian sex transitions, or changing from one sex to another, are extremely rare and have not been observed in turkeys.
It’s important to note that the concept of gender, which refers to the behavioral and societal roles associated with being male or female, is different from the biological sex of an individual. In turkeys, as in many bird species, males and females have distinct physical characteristics and behaviors, such as size, coloration, and courtship displays. These differences are primarily driven by their genetic sex and hormonal influences.
While the concept of gender identity, where an individual’s self-perceived gender may differ from their biological sex, exists in some human societies, it does not apply to non-human animals like turkeys. Turkeys do not have a subjective sense of gender or the capacity to identify as a different gender than their biological sex.
Turkeys cannot change their gender. Once a turkey is genetically determined as male or female, it remains that way throughout its life. Avian sex transitions are exceedingly rare and have not been observed in turkeys. The concept of gender identity does not apply to non-human animals like turkeys.