11/26/2025
This Thanksgiving we are so grateful that we get to know turkeys in ways that most people donât. Here are ten awesome things we love about turkeys! đŠ
1. Their gorgeous plumage. Most people think turkeys are just âbrownâ but their feathers have beautiful patterns, colors, and iridescence!
2. Their curiosity. The turkeys of Merrymac spend most days roaming free around the yard; greeting people and other residents, getting involved in every project, and endlessly investigating the world around them. Frankie loves to explore and boss us around!
3. They change color! Their heads and necks are like a mood ring, ranging from almost white to blue to deep red depending on how they are feeling.
4. Their cool dinosaur feet! They look like something from Jurassic Park but they need those strong feet and nails to scratch at the soil to create dust baths and find bugs, seeds, plants, and other snacks.
5. Their distinct personalities. All of our turkeys have unique characters. Some are docile and social, others are sassy and opinionated. One turkey, Jerry, loves the ducks and spends all of his time with them! More about them here: www.merrymacfarmsanctuary.org/meet-the-birds
6. Their interesting anatomy. Most people donât look closely at turkeys but their heads are very cool and unusual compared to many birds. The bit that dangles from the beak is called a snood, the flap that extends from the chin is a wattle, and the little wrinkly bumps throughout are caruncles.
7. Their intelligence. Many people dismiss turkeys as âdumbâ, but maybe they just havenât have the pleasure of observing them. Turkeys show many intelligent behaviors such as forming social bonds, using a complex language to communicate, problem-solving, long term memory, and more!
8. Their language. Most people know turkeys âgobbleâ but really they make an incredible range of sounds, ranging from happy purrs to loud cackles and an incredible variety in between!
9. Their regal walk. They have an elegant stride like little kings and queens. đ
10. They are just plain fun to hang out with. If youâd like to buy a bag for our turkeys you can do that here! https://donorbox.org/mmfs-turkey
