The Unexpected Joys of Turkey Companionship
It always begins innocently enough. Just a quick trip to the feed store for a bag of layer crumble or some chicken scratch. You swear you’ll be in and out. But if you’re anything like us, the plan goes sideways the moment you hear the faint, irresistible peeping coming from those glowing brooders at the back of the store.
You peek. Just a peek. That’s when it happens.
Baby turkeys.
Those long-legged, big-eyed fluffballs with curiosity written all over their tiny beaks. They’re not chicks. No, they’re more exotic, somehow more noble. They stand taller, like a mini ostrich, and observe more carefully. And if you make eye contact, forget it. They’ve chosen you. You’re going home with a turkey or three.
The Personalities of Poultry Royalty
Here at BLeaves Farms, we’ve had a few turkeys grace our pasture. Each one has brought more joy than we ever anticipated. Despite not being the longest-lived (commercial breeds like Broad Breasted Whites are bred to grow quickly. So quickly that their hearts sometimes can’t keep up), their lives are full of personality and affection.
From the moment they imprint on you, you become Mom. There’s no turning back. They follow you around the garden, through the orchard, even down the driveway. They chirp and trill and gobble in a symphony of turkey language. It’s a rich vocabulary with different sounds for curiosity, excitement, alarm, and affection. And here’s the magical part: they respond. If you cluck or chirp or make the soft “whoop-whoop” of a warning sound, they’ll look up with wide eyes, dart over, and crouch beneath you for protection.
It’s the kind of trust you can’t buy. It’s earned by simply being present and loving them as they are.
One time, I accidentally trash-talked a turkey in her own language, and let’s just say she held a grudge like a feathery little mob boss. Every time she saw me after that, it was personal.
Toms, Hens, and a Whole Lot of Glamour
If you’re lucky enough to raise a tom (male turkey), prepare to be dazzled. A strutting tom is like a Thanksgiving Day float in real life, his tail fanned wide, chest puffed out, feathers iridescent in the sun, and that classic gobble echoing down the block. He’ll puff up when he sees you, show off for visitors, and may even get jealous if you pet someone else first.
And the hens? Total underrated gems. Female turkeys are sweet, intelligent, and remarkably vocal in their own right. But let’s talk about the real hidden treasure: turkey eggs.
The Marvel of Turkey Eggs
Yes, turkeys lay eggs, and no, they’re not just for hatching. Turkey eggs are larger than chicken eggs, with speckled tan shells that feel like miniature pieces of artwork. They have richer yolks, denser whites, and more protein and calories than a chicken egg, making them a powerhouse of nutrition.
They don’t lay daily like chickens. More like a few eggs a week during the laying season. But each one is a treat. Whether you scramble them, bake with them, or use them to make the world’s richest French toast, you’ll taste the difference.
The Black Spanish Heritage Breed
We’ve most recently been blessed with a Black Spanish turkey on our farm, a heritage breed known for both their beauty and their history. With sleek black feathers that shimmer green in the sunlight and a proud, upright carriage, they’re stunning animals with roots going back centuries.
More than just pretty faces, they’re intelligent, gentle, and surprisingly cuddly. They make strong mothers (if you let them hatch), and they’re hardy in various climates, perfect for our Arizona sun.
Not Dinner. Family
A lot of people raise turkeys for one day a year. We raise them for all the days in between and celebrate them as our guest of honor on Thanksgiving, getting their own Thanksgiving treat. On our farm, turkeys are never destined for the table. They are friends, entertainers, and companions. We celebrate their birthdays, comfort them when they’re broody, and mourn them when they pass. We give them names, favorite treats, and plenty of space to roam.
They live their whole lives with us, and we are so much better for it.
Thinking of Getting a Turkey?
You’ll need some basics to get started:
- A clamp lamp light socket and 250 watt bulbs to provide warmth
- Game bird starter feed for strong early growth
Turkeys do best in pairs or small flocks, and they thrive when given lots of social interaction. If you’re ready for a bird that acts more like a dog than a chicken, a turkey might be the perfect fit.
Follow Our Feathered Friends
To see our turkeys in action, follow us:
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And be sure to tell your friends. The more people who learn about the joys of keeping turkeys as pets, the more feathered lives can be spared and celebrated.
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