Pressing T-Day turkey questions need fast answers!
It’s the big day, you’re wrangling the big bird (and many other things), and YIKES, you have a question about how to defrost it or cook it or stuff it or whatever. If you don’t have a knowledgeable friend or family member around, who do you turn to? Fortunately, there are a couple of excellent resources available on the days leading up to Thanksgiving Day, and on the big day itself.
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHOTLINE (1-888-674-6854)
- Thanksgiving Day: 8am – 2pm ET
- Year-round: Monday-Friday 10am – 6pm ET
Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)
- Thanksgiving Day: 5am – 6pm CST
- Weekdays, November & December: 8am – 8pm CST
Online, Chat, & Other Resources
Ask USDA: (24/7; live chat during hotline hours)
USDA Online Info
Butterball Skill on Amazon Alexa (“Alexa, ask Butterball…”)
Butterball Email / Live Chat
Butterball Online Info
Brought to you by the UCCE Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County
Last updated July 2025
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