Talkin Turkey

Turkey Facts...

The wild turkey is native to Northern Mexico and the Eastern United States.

Ben Franklin thought the North American wild turkey should be the national bird (rather than the Bald Eagle) .

Most of the turkeys raised on turkey farms are White Hollands. They do not fly.

Adult turkeys can have 3,500 feathers. Most turkey feathers are composted. Feathers are spread out on fields, then plowed under in the spring. The feathers decompose and fertilize the soil.

Wild turkeys spend the night in trees. They roost (perch) on the branches.


Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited.

The male turkey is called a tom or gobbler. The female turkey is called a hen. Baby turkeys are called poults.

A turkey has 157 bones!

A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.

A wild turkey has excellent vision and hearing. Their field of vision is about 270 degrees.