For the source text click/tap here: Chullin 62
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Unlike the case with mammals and fish, where the Torah gives identifying characteristics by which kosher and non-kosher types can be discerned, the Torah gives no such signs for birds. Instead, the Torah lists various types of non-kosher birds. Since these are the ones specified as being non-kosher, all the ones not listed are ipso facto kosher. That sounds straightforward enough, but there complications.
The Gemara indicates that simanim are sufficient to determine a bird’s kashrus, regardless of a tradition.
However, Rashi writes that simanim can be difficult to ascertain, and therefore rules that no bird may be assumed to be a min tahor unless it has a reliable mesorah. This view, set by Rashi, has been adopted by several rishonim and ultimately brought l’halacha by the Mechaber[5] and the Rama,[6] making the case for the turkey’s kashrus more challenging.
We focus on the turkey, the “Hindik” and the halachic problems it presents.