7 Fast Facts That Will Make You Love Turkeys

Thanksgiving is a holiday about giving thanks and being grateful, but somehow over the years, it has turned into a gluttonous affair. Indeed, every year on Thanksgiving, a staggering 46 million turkeys are consumed. Despite the vast knowledge that counters the stereotype of turkeys being “dumb” birds, many still see these intelligent, playful animals as merely a table centerpiece.

anaterate/Pixabay

But if you’ve ever been lucky enough to spend time with a turkey, you’re already well versed in how amazing these animals are. Here are seven fast facts about turkeys to share with friends and family this Thanksgiving holiday!

1. Turkeys Have Moods 

Just like humans, turkeys have good and bad moods. For male turkeys, you can tell what kind of mood they are in by looking at the color of their throat and head. Blue means they are happy, red means get ready, they are mad!

2. Turkeys Have Strong Social Bonds

Turkeys form strong social bonds with their family and flockmates, sometimes traveling in the wild with groups of 200 or more.

3. Turkeys Are Speedy 

Wild turkeys can run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and fly as fast as 55 miles per hour.

4. Turkeys Are Down to Play Football 

Believe it or not, turkeys are playful! Poultry scientist and animal science professor at Oregon State University, Tom Savage, noted that if you throw an apple to a group of turkeys, they will play with it together. Turkeys also love music and will cluck along with songs!

5. Turkeys Can “Purr”

Turkeys have a wide range of sounds. For example, when they are startled, they will make a “purr” type of sound. Turkeys have also been known to make a cat-like “purr” when they are feeling relaxed and content. So sweet!

6. Turkeys Are Protective Mamas 

When a turkey’s eggs are close to hatching, the mother will not leave, according to John James Audubon, the well-known bird expert and nature enthusiast. The mother turkey stays with the poults at ground-level to keep them safe and warm until they learn to fly and roost up in the trees.

7. Turkeys Like to Flirt 

Male turkeys, or “toms,” attract hens with their wattles, colorful flaps of skin around their necks, and beards on their chests (no body waxing for turkeys.) To attract a female, toms puff up their bodies and spread their beautiful, colorful feathers. Males have feathers that are red, green, purple, copper, bronze, and gold while the females have muted shades of brown and grey.

Start a New Tradition 

Turkeys have personalities as distinct and varied as cats or dogs; however, like other animals raised in factory farms, turkeys are subjected to horrible, cramped, and unsanitary conditions. Around 99 percent of turkeys raised in the U.S. come from factory farms. What’s even worse is that turkeys at so-called “free range” or “organic” farms generally aren’t treated any better. In accordance with industry standards, these turkeys also have their sensitive beaks cut off with a hot blade and have to live in extremely crowded, filthy sheds.

Many animal sanctuaries hold a celebration day each Thanksgiving to honor our turkey friends. Such events have been held in the past by Animal Place, Farm Sanctuary, Poplar Springs Sanctuary, and Sunrise Sanctuary, and not only are they hugely successful due to the curious nature of the day, but they encourage people of all ages to reconsider how they celebrate and teach children and adults alike to respect and honor these gentle creatures!

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