7 Reasons to Keep Turkeys Off Your Plate This Christmas

Turkeys are playful

Turkeys are playful creatures, who can be quite cheeky. Baby turkeys (poults) rescued from factory farms are known to chase one another (and their humans) around, flapping their wings, like playing a game of tag. Turkeys have also been observed playing with apples much like a football. 

Turkeys are affectionate

Turkeys are highly social and sensitive creatures. They form close lasting bonds with flock mates and are incredibly affectionate towards one another. Turkeys can travel in flock sizes with up to 200 flock mates. Turkeys love to be petted and cuddled by their humans; if they bond with someone they will recognise their face.

Turkeys have distinct voices 

Turkeys can produce up to 20 vocalisations, some that can even be heard from as far as a mile away. They have unique voices, and can recognise the voices of their friends. Turkeys gobble, yelp and kee-kee, and are also known to purr when they are feeling contentment. Turkeys will also purr whilst eating, so that their other flock mates know they are around (turkeys have poor eyesight). 

Turkeys are perceptive

Turkeys are known to recognise a vast area of land; their home territory can be as expansive as 1000 acres. Wild turkeys sleep perched in trees to stay safe from predators, and when given the opportunity domesticated turkeys will roost in the same way.

Turkeys are maternal

Turkey poults stay with their mothers for as long as a year. Mother turkeys will protect their poults from cold weather and predators, staying on ground level with their young when they are too small to roost.

Turkeys are emotional

The colour of the head and neck of turkeys can change depending on what mood they are in. This can indicate calmness, aggression, and excitement.

Turkeys lives belong to them

Aside from all their amazing qualities, the simple fact is that turkeys care about their lives and they do not want to die. Turkeys are sentient creatures and just like a dog or a cat, they can experience pain, misery and suffering, and this, is the single most compelling reason to leave turkeys off your plate this Christmas.