Pity the poor turkeys

A recent survey has indicated that less than 11% of turkeys presently farmed in the U.K. are free range.   This means that instead of having access to fresh air, freedom and a natural life the majority of the poor birds are kept in unnatural confined and cramped conditions, with a short intensive life before they are slaughtered.   The top picture is of Noel who has been with us for over eight years and is a ‘golden oldie’ – he is a wonderful character, gentle and companiable and friendly with cats, chickens and the other turkeys of course.

But most of the turkeys who are destined to be eaten this Christmas haven’t been so fortunate as Noel.  They have had a dreadful existence.  The conditions they are kept in are so awful that they are routinely given medication to try to keep them healthy enough to kill for food.   How can they be good  to eat when they’ve been kept like this?    A turkey in his natural state is a magnificent woodland bird.   Although they are so large these birds are good at flying and roost high in trees at night.  Our rescued turkeys are typical of the species, they are intelligent and inquisitive and non aggressive.   Like many other creatures their biggest predator is man.

What about ‘freedomn foods’ though?   It’s a nice idea but sadly it doesn’t guarantee that the bird has had a natural life.   It might be a barn with a small area for exercise.   Better than intensive but still nothing like the life the birds need.

There are farms out there who rear their stock in the old fashioned way, slower to rear and with plenty of natural food.  Turkeys eat grubs and grain, seeds and nsects and all manner of things.    If you  do want to eat a dead bird for your Christmas lunch, it is possible to buy turkeys that have been reared organically.   These turkeys roam out in fields and orchards during the day and come in to barn shelter at night.   They are healthy and don’t suffer stress or need to be medicated.   They have had a good life and are in demand from people who don’t want to eat birds that are unhealthy or have suffered.

It is of course, quite possible to have a superb Christmas lunch without causing any animal to be slaughtered.   Roast potatoes, sprouts, peas,carrots, cranberry sauce, yorkshire puds, apple sauce, stuffing, a slice of chestnut and almond pie and some rich gravy – it’s delicious, hasn’t caused any bird to be killed and is healthier too.      Christmas and cruelty?     The mass slaughter of defenceless birds.    There’s no celebration at this time of year for the poor turkeys.

Noel and Chicabiddy – good friends who have been safe with us for many years.   We’re hoping to develop a larger turkey sanctuary in 2012.  If you would like to help please get in touch – donations for fencing and a shed would be very welcome. [donate]