I've never used a LARGE crockpot, nor one of those big turkey roasters.
I've got a small crockpot, into which I can fit 2 drumsticks, by placing the fat ends DOWN in opposite sides of the crockpot. I start them by 9 am, and put them on LOW, then they are ready for supper time, anytime after 4:30.
If I only cook a turkey breast, I first put a TINY little bit of oil on the bottom of the crockpot, and then skin-side UP, I squish the turkey breast into the bottom of the crockpot. I put pats of butter on top of the skin. Cook on LOW about 8 hours or so -- see, when it's done, it's REALLY hard to overcook meat.
Turkey thighs are GREAT in the crockpot, and provide lots of juice for turkey gravy.
I just buy the cut up parts of the turkey, they go on sale frequently around here -- and frankly, turkey is so filling, that I consider it a "deal" at regular price, too.
That’s true, the normal price of turkey is cheaper than other meats. Funny, I never think of buying it except at the holidays.