“Turkey Day.” That’s what some people perversely call the day when diners gather greedily around tables laden with the dead bodies of big birds. “Anti-turkey Day” would be a more appropriate moniker for that “holiday.”
But we are having a true “Turkey Day” here at VINE Sanctuary today. Six young birds who jumped or fell from a transport truck headed for a slaughterhouse have come, via Farm Sanctuary, to live permanently at VINE. They join Mama T, who has been our lone turkey resident since the death (due to old age) of her partner this past fall.
Imagine eight mallard ducks, five male and three female, running in tight circles around a long-legged, gangly, juvenile turkey as roosters shout and geese honk in the background. That was the scene when the first of the newcomers ventured through the tunnel from the coop into the barn.
Birds are dinosaurs. The truth of this natural fact was evident today. These young turkeys looked like little pterodactyls running around the barn. No wonder the roosters were alarmed. Curious about the ruckus, calf Linus and cow Princess came in to investigate. New playmates! That was evidently what Linus, who danced and ducked his head in an invitation to play head-butting, was thinking. Placid Princess, who lets chickens roost on her back, expressed her intent interest more quietly, standing close by and staring as the new birds launched into a frenzied flurry of dust-bathing.
Having a hard time picturing the scene? Don’t worry! Kathy had her camera and Cheryl captured some video, so just watch our Facebook page for the surge of images sure to come.
In just the last week, three new cows and six new turkeys have come to the sanctuary. Two more cows (the remaining duo from the five in New Jersey) are due to arrive shortly. That’s a lot of new mouths to feed. (The new cows need check-ups and medicine too.) Please do help us out if you can. Even a few dollars makes a big difference.
And… Happy Turkey Day!!
victoria figurelli
bravebird
