Some are quiet and shy; others love to strut and be the center of attention! They are loyal and protective of their flocks—including their human counterparts like J.P.

J.P. is a member of our Farm Animal Adoption Network: a nationwide collective of people and sanctuaries that provide forever homes for farm animals in need. Sadly, turkeys need a lot of help: Roughly 223 million are slaughtered for food each year, with 68 million just for the November and December holiday season.

The meat industry presents turkeys as anonymous, unfeeling objects. But we know them as sentient, feeling individuals. As friends.

Read what J.P. has to say about sharing her life with these magnificent birds.

(Note: This is our third blog post in this series. Read our previous Q&As with John of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary or Rima of Happy Farm Animal Rescue.)

How many turkeys have you adopted? What are their names?

Probably 10-15 over the years. I try not to relate to my animals by name, but rather by non-verbal cues. I just enjoy being with everyone.

When and why did you decide to adopt turkeys? Was the decision based on any interactions you’ve had with other rescued animals?

I try to rescue as many different species as possible, and my interaction with any of my animals makes me want to get to know as many species as possible.

How does animal rescue tie in with your compassionate journey?

I think I tried to save more farm animals as I became vegetarian and then mostly vegan.

Where did you rescue your turkeys from?

I think all came from Farm Sanctuary—I see those lovely faces around [the holidays] and want to save them all.

What are their lives like now, including their daily routine?

They are happily living with chickens, ducks, and peacocks. I get everyone up at 5 because I need to get to work. I am at the barn for about an hour, mostly feeding the large animals and checking that the birds have food, since wild birds can get into their enclosure and they eat tons in the winter. They have a large inside and outside enclosure that is protected from wildlife.

I have a wild turkey that hangs out on the outside of their enclosure and it is very amusing to watch them walk the fence line together. The wild turkey can stick his head in and get food from the inside.

What are your interactions with them like?

I give them a hug in the morning and wish them a good day.

How would you describe the turkeys’ personalities?

They are lovely beings. I love to watch their head colors change as an indication of what they are feeling.

How have your rescued turkeys informed your outlook on life?

All my animals have changed my outlook on life—making me more aware of the world out there.

What is one thing you wish people knew about turkeys?

They shouldn’t be bred to eat. When we celebrate [the holidays] together, we all appreciate that we are here together and not on someone’s plate.