Puten

Puten is the plural form of Pute in German, referring to turkeys. In English, the term corresponds to turkeys, large domesticated birds raised for meat and, in some contexts, for eggs or as ornamental fowl. Turkeys are native to North America and belong to the genus Meleagris, with the domestic species primarily derived from the North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

Two wild species exist: the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata) of the Yucatán Peninsula. The domesticated turkey used in farming today stems mainly from M. gallopavo, which was domesticated in Mesoamerica several thousand years ago and later spread to Europe after the 16th century.

Physical characteristics: males (toms or gobblers) are larger and more colorful than females (hens). Adult males may have a fan-shaped tail, wattles, and a fleshy snood over the beak; domestic varieties are often white-feathered. Young birds are chicks.

Use and husbandry: Puten are raised primarily for meat; they require space, protein-rich feed, and proper ventilation. They are among the traditional holiday foods in North America; cooking methods vary widely. Some cultures also keep turkeys as ornamental or backyard poultry.

Conservation: Wild turkeys are widespread in North America but face habitat loss and disease in some areas; conservation and management programs have helped populations recover in many regions. Domestic turkeys are the subject of selective breeding for body size, growth rate, and meat yield.