Why is turkey more expensive than chicken?

1. Supply and Demand

* Turkeys are seasonal. There is a much higher demand for turkeys during the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. This increased demand drives up the price of turkeys.

* Chickens are more efficient to raise. Turkeys take longer to reach maturity than chickens and require more food and space. This makes them more expensive to raise, which is reflected in the price of turkey meat.

2. Size

* Turkeys are typically larger than chickens. A single turkey can weigh up to 25 pounds, while a chicken typically weighs around 5 pounds. This means that you get more meat for your money when you buy a turkey.

3. Processing

* Turkeys require more processing than chickens. Turkeys must be de-feathered, eviscerated, and inspected before they can be sold. This additional processing adds to the cost of turkey meat.

4. Transportation

* Turkeys are more difficult to transport than chickens. Turkeys are larger and heavier than chickens, which makes them more expensive to transport. This cost is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

5. Marketing

* Turkeys are heavily marketed during the holidays. This marketing campaigns increase the demand for turkeys and further drive up the price.

Ultimately, the higher price of turkeys is due to a combination of factors, including supply and demand, size, processing, transportation, and marketing. Despite the higher price, turkeys remain a popular holiday tradition for many families.