Turkey drumsticks are a beloved part of the classic Thanksgiving feast Their tantalizing aroma, succulent meat, and crispy skin make them one of the most prized parts of the holiday bird But if you’ve ever tried to figure out how much a turkey drumstick weighs, you know it can be confusing. The weight can vary quite a bit depending on the size of the turkey and other factors. This comprehensive guide breaks down the typical weight range for turkey drumsticks and the key considerations that impact their heft.
Average Weights of Turkey Drumsticks
On average a single turkey drumstick weighs between 8-16 oz. However weights can range more broadly from 4-24 oz depending on the size of the turkey. Here are some general guidelines for expected weights
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For a 15 lb turkey, drumsticks will be around 8-12 oz each.
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A 20 lb turkey will produce drumsticks weighing about 10-16 oz each.
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Larger turkeys over 25 lbs can have drumsticks up to 1.5 lbs each.
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When buying packaged drumsticks, most fall in the 10-14 oz range
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Lighter drumsticks around 8 oz are more common from smaller turkeys under 12 lbs.
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Jumbo drumsticks over 1 lb usually come from free range heritage breed turkeys.
If you are unsure, ask your butcher for the average weight range of their drumsticks based on the types of turkeys they source. This will give you a more precise estimate of weights to expect.
What Impacts the Weight of a Turkey Drumstick?
Several key factors influence the final weight of a turkey drumstick including:
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Breed: Heritage breed turkeys have heavier bone structure and more muscle than commercial turkeys, yielding larger drumsticks.
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Sex: Toms generally have thicker legs and meatier drumsticks compared to hens.
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Age: More mature turkeys produce heavier drumsticks than younger birds.
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Feeding: Free range turkeys fed higher protein diets develop larger legs and drumsticks.
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Butchering: Hand-carved drumsticks may weigh slightly more than mass produced drumsticks.
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Packaging: Drumsticks sold attached to thigh meat will weigh considerably more.
Estimating Drumstick Weights for Your Feast
When calculating how many drumsticks to buy, here are some tips:
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For a small gathering of 4, buy 1 lb of drumsticks (2 drumsticks at 8 oz each).
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For 6-8 guests, plan on 1.5 – 2 lbs of drumsticks (3-4 drumsticks).
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For 10-12 people, have 2.5 – 3 lbs of drumsticks on hand (5-6 drumsticks).
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For a large party of 14+, purchase 4+ lbs of drumsticks (8+ drumsticks).
Adjust weights up slightly if using jumbo or heritage breed drumsticks. It’s better to have extras since drumsticks are often the first appetizer choice.
Other Important Considerations
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Account for 15-20% shrinkage if using frozen drumsticks after thawing.
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Allow 8-12 oz of drumstick meat per person if only serving legs.
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Buy a mix of white and dark meat to ensure balanced flavors.
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Have back-ups like wings or thighs in case legs run low.
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Double check weights at purchase to avoid shortages.
The Bottom Line
Knowing typical turkey drumstick weights helps ensure you buy the perfect amount for your gathering. Consider the breed, bird size, and number of guests. Plan on 1-2 drumsticks per person, adjusting for heartier appetites and leftovers. Check weights when purchasing to avoid surprises. With this guide, you can confidently provide the ideal turkey drumstick spread!
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FAQ
How much does one turkey leg weigh?
How many ounces is an average turkey leg?
How much does a turkey thigh weigh?
How many calories in a whole turkey drumstick?
What size turkey drumsticks do you use?
For the roast turkey drumsticks, I used 12-14 ounce drumsticks, but feel free to use any size that’s available at your local grocery store. Turkey drumsticks (also sold as whole turkey legs) are more widely available during the holidays, but you can also find them year-round, depending on the store.
Are drumsticks a turkey leg?
Drumsticks are known for their rich flavour and tender dark meat. They’re ideal for roasting and serving on special occasions like Thanksgiving. So, while all drumsticks are part of the turkey leg, not all turkey legs are just drumsticks! ARE TURKEY DRUMSTICKS TOUGH?
What are baked turkey drumsticks?
Baked turkey drumsticks make a delicious and family-friendly dinner that’s also great for special occasions. These turkey legs are slowly roasted until the meat falls off the bone, the skin is crispy, meat flavorful and perfectly spiced. They make a great alternative to whole turkey legs or a whole turkey!
Why are turkey drumsticks so tough?
Turkey drumsticks can be tougher compared to other parts of the bird because they contain more connective tissue and are made up of dark meat. Since turkeys use their legs for walking, these muscles are well-developed, which gives the meat its rich flavour but also makes it less tender.
How do you know if a turkey drumstick is cooked?
Check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. This ensures the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. Let the drumsticks rest. After roasting, let the drumsticks rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Are turkey drumsticks tender?
However, when cooked properly—such as slow roasting, braising, or basting regularly—turkey drumsticks can become tender and juicy. Cooking them at the right temperature and for a sufficient amount of time helps break down the connective tissue, resulting in flavourful, moist meat with a deliciously crispy skin.