Naked Neck Female 0–2 Weeks

A heat-tolerant, dual-purpose chicken with a distinctive bare neck

The Naked Neck, also called the Turken, is a dual-purpose chicken known for its featherless neck and reduced feather coverage. Its heat tolerance, brown eggs, and generally calm temperament make it a practical breed to consider for Central Florida backyard flocks.

The Naked Neck is a chicken breed—not a chicken-turkey cross—despite its Turken nickname. Its distinctive bare neck and reduced feather coverage are inherited traits. Birds come in several plumage colors and commonly have a single comb, red face, and a small tuft of feathers near the base of the neck.

Hens produce medium to large brown eggs, with a conservative expectation of 150–200 eggs per year. First laying commonly begins around 20–26 weeks, though breeding line, nutrition, season, and management affect timing and production. Standard-size birds are suitable for both eggs and meat; bantam varieties are smaller.

Naked Necks are generally calm, adaptable chickens that forage well and can also tolerate confinement with adequate space and enrichment. Their reduced feathering helps them cope with heat, but Central Florida housing still needs shade, strong ventilation, fresh water, and protection from heavy rain and predators. In cold weather, provide dry, draft-protected shelter and protect exposed skin and combs from freezing conditions.

Naked Neck Breed Facts