If you’ve ever seen a chicken that looks like someone forgot to feather its neck… chances are you’ve met a Turken chicken.

Also called the Naked Neck chicken, the Turken is one of the most recognizable and unusual chicken breeds in the poultry world. Their featherless neck often surprises people at first glance, leading many to assume they’re part turkey.

But despite the nickname “Turken,” these birds are 100% chicken.

And honestly? Once you get past the unusual appearance, many homesteaders discover that Turkens are actually hardy, productive, friendly birds with several practical advantages.

Whether you’re curious about Naked Neck chickens or considering adding them to your flock, here’s everything you should know about Turken chickens.

What Is a Turken Chicken?

Turken chickens are a type of chicken carrying the Naked Neck gene, which dramatically reduces feathering around the neck area.

Despite the name:

• They are NOT turkey hybrids
• They are fully chickens
• The breed is often called “Naked Neck”
• “Turken” is simply a nickname

The breed has existed for centuries and is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, particularly areas of Romania and Hungary.

Today, Turkens are popular among backyard flock owners because of their:

• Heat tolerance
• Easy maintenance
• Unique appearance
• Good egg production
• Friendly personalities

Why Do Turken Chickens Have Bare Necks?

Turkens possess a naturally occurring dominant gene called the Na gene (Naked Neck gene).

This gene reduces the number of feathers on the bird by roughly:

• 30–40% in heterozygous birds
• Even more in homozygous birds

The feather reduction:

• Leaves the neck mostly bare
• Helps birds tolerate heat better
• Makes them easier to process for meat production
• Reduces parasite-hiding areas slightly

The bare neck is completely normal and NOT a health issue.

What Do Turken Chickens Look Like?

Turkens are medium-to-large chickens with:

• Featherless red necks
• Small feather “bow ties” sometimes present near the neck base
• Upright posture
• Muscular bodies
• Single combs

They come in many different colors and patterns including:

• Black
• Buff
• Red
• White
• Blue
• Splash
• Cuckoo/barred
• Mixed barnyard colors

Because the Naked Neck gene can be crossed into many breeds, appearances can vary widely.

Turken Chicken Temperament

One thing that surprises many people is how friendly Turkens can be.

They are often described as:

• Calm
• Curious
• Hardy
• Social
• Easygoing
• Friendly toward humans

Many owners say Turkens quickly become some of the funniest and most entertaining birds in the flock.

Despite their unusual appearance, they often integrate very well into mixed flocks.

Are Turken Chickens Good Egg Layers?

YES — many Turkens are solid egg producers.

Most hens lay:

• Around 180–250 eggs yearly
• Roughly 4–5 eggs weekly

Their eggs are usually:

• Light brown
• Medium to large in size

Production can vary depending on bloodlines and whether the birds were bred more for utility or exhibition.

Are Turkens Good Meat Birds?

Historically, Naked Neck chickens were often valued as dual-purpose birds.

Many homesteaders appreciate them for:

• Faster feather drying
• Easier processing
• Muscular builds
• Heat tolerance
• Efficient feed conversion in some lines

Because they have fewer feathers, processing can sometimes be slightly easier compared to heavily feathered breeds.

Are Turken Chickens Hardy?

Turkens are surprisingly hardy birds.

Excellent Heat Tolerance

Their reduced feathering allows them to handle hot weather exceptionally well compared to many heavy-feathered breeds.

This makes them popular in:

• Southern climates
• Hot humid regions
• Warm homesteads
• Areas with intense summer heat

They still need:

• Shade
• Fresh water
• Ventilation
• Cooling support during extreme heat

…but many owners notice they handle summer more comfortably than heavily feathered breeds.

Cold Weather Considerations

Despite their bare necks, Turkens often tolerate cold better than many people expect.

However:

• Extreme cold may require additional protection
• Draft-free coops are important
• Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in harsh conditions

Many owners in colder climates successfully raise Turkens with proper winter management.

Do Turken Chickens Go Broody?

Some Turken hens will go broody occasionally, but they are not typically considered highly broody breeds.

Certain hens may:

• Sit on eggs
• Hatch chicks naturally
• Raise chicks successfully

…but many focus more heavily on egg production.

Housing Requirements for Turken Chickens

Turkens have fairly standard housing needs.

They require:

• Predator-safe coops
• Dry bedding
• Good ventilation
• Proper roosting space
• Secure fencing

Because they tend to tolerate heat well, proper airflow is especially beneficial.

Clean housing also helps protect exposed neck skin from irritation or injury.

Are Turkens Good Free Rangers?

YES — many Turkens are active, capable foragers.

They enjoy:

• Hunting bugs
• Exploring
• Scratching
• Roaming pasture areas

Many homesteaders appreciate their balance between:

• Productivity
• Hardiness
• Active behavior
• Adaptability

Common Health Concerns in Turken Chickens

Turkens are generally considered hardy birds, but owners should still monitor for common poultry health issues such as:

• Parasites
• Respiratory illness
• Frostbite in severe cold
• Heat stress
• Skin injuries on exposed necks

Routine flock checks and clean housing go a long way in maintaining healthy birds.

Why Homesteaders Love Turken Chickens

Turkens may not win everyone over at first glance…

…but they often become surprise favorites in backyard flocks.

Many owners love them because they are:

• Unique-looking
• Productive
• Hardy
• Friendly
• Entertaining
• Excellent in hot climates

They’re also fantastic conversation starters.

Visitors almost ALWAYS ask:
“What happened to that chicken’s neck?!”

Are Turken Chickens Good for Beginners?

In many cases, YES.

Turkens are often good beginner birds because they are:

• Adaptable
• Generally friendly
• Productive
• Hardy
• Easy to manage

Their unusual appearance may not appeal to everyone initially, but many owners quickly grow attached to their quirky charm and personalities.

Final Thoughts from Gumpert Homestead

Turken chickens prove that sometimes the most unusual-looking birds end up becoming some of the best flock members.

They may look a little funny at first…
…but beneath those bare necks are hardy, productive, entertaining chickens with a lot to offer backyard flocks and homesteads.

If you’re looking for:

• A unique conversation-starting breed
• Heat-tolerant chickens
• Friendly flock additions
• Reliable egg layers
• Hardy dual-purpose birds

…Turkens are absolutely worth considering.

And honestly? Once you spend enough time around them, you stop noticing the naked neck and start noticing just how awesome these birds really are.