QUESTION: In the spring of 2014, I was in Minnesota and shot a wild turkey that had yellow legs. There was a very light pinkish hue to them. What would cause this? Was it a mutation, a released raised bird or a dietary problem? — Craig K.
ANSWER: It’s difficult to say without more information, but any of the causes you listed are possible. As I’m sure you’re aware, wild turkey legs are typically a pale pinkish color, although there is some variability.
Adult males tend to be the most pink, while younger males and hens can be more of a pale, pinkish brown or gray. Some are quite dark, while others can be pale and appear almost yellowish. You didn’t mention if the bird was a jake or a longbeard.
The legs of some breeds of domesticated turkeys are more yellow in color. It is possible that pen-raised birds or domestic birds escaped and intermingled with wild birds, and that some of their genetic material still remains within the population. I’m not aware of any nutritional conditions that would cause this, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.