Farmers’ markets and local butchers often take Thanksgiving pre-orders.
If you’re buying retail, read the fine print — look for transparency around sourcing and handling.
Common Buying Mistakes (and What Chefs Do Differently)
Even experienced cooks make these turkey-shopping errors:

Buying too late — leaving you with the last frozen giant in the store.
Not checking the packaging — damaged wrapping can indicate freezer burn.
Choosing size over quality — smaller, younger birds are almost always more tender.
Chefs also avoid pre-stuffed turkeys, which can pose food safety risks and uneven cooking. Always buy the bird and stuffing separately.