Don’t buy frozen turkeys for Christmas, say British producers of free range birds

Paul White of Laneshaw Bridge, near Colne, Lancashire, with his turkeys in 2021, before bird flu forced farmers to raise them indoors. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Fears over bird flu and the cost of living crisis could impact free-range turkey sales, farmers have warned, as growing numbers turn to supermarkets for frozen birds this Christmas.

After months of worry for their flocks, which since last month have to be housed indoors, destroying livelihoods across the country, turkey farmers are facing significant pressure this holiday season.