With Thanksgiving upon us, we thought we would share some interesting facts about turkeys that might make you think differently about this animal that has become a symbol of this holiday. Read on for five reasons why you should love turkeys!
Gobble, Gobble
Turkeys actually do make a sound that is similar to “gobble” when they are flirting with potential female mates. However, they have over twenty distinct sounds that they make, including “yelps,” “purrs,” and “kee-kees.” Turkeys can even recognize one another by their unique voices. So next time someone says you are “talking turkey,” you can respond with a new sound, other than “gobble-gobble.”
Superbowl Bound
Turkeys like to play football! No really, if you toss them an apple they will play with it like a football. They are highly social and can remember a face. They love music and have even been known to “sing” along with songs in the form of clucking.
Bathing Beauties
Turkeys can live up to ten years. They love taking dust baths, cleaning themselves in the sun and being social with their friends and sleeping in trees.
Mood Swings
Turkeys can be moody. Good or bad, the male will show their mood by the color of his throat and head. When excited, his head turns blue and when he is ready to fight, his head turns red.
Mama Bird
Mother turkeys will lay anywhere from 7 to 15 eggs over the course of two weeks. The eggs hatch after 28 days and the mother turkey is in charge of raising the babies or “poults” until they are ready to go out on their own.
Turkeys, just like humans, have their own personalities and enjoy life in the outdoors. Thinking of turkeys in a different way may change how you approach your next Thanksgiving meal.
Cheers!
