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 John of Peaceful Fields Sanctuary!

John 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 John has to say about sharing his life with these magnificent birds.

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

Peaceful Fields Sanctuary has rescued 12 turkeys during our 8 years as a sanctuary. Four are Bourbon Reds and the rest are Broad Breasted Whites. Their names are Bruce, Mondo (now deceased), Hugs, Kisses (now deceased), Rosie, Ricky, Fred, Lucy, Ethel, Bunnie, Clyde, and Barrow.

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

As a vegan sanctuary for farmed animals, rescuing turkeys is an aspect of our core mission to save the lives of farmed animals in need and provide them with a loving forever home free from cruelty.

How does animal rescue tie in with your compassionate journey?

Animal rescue work is truly my mission and calling in life. I really appreciate the direct action of saving lives. As a vegan, I reduce future harm to farmed animals by removing myself from participating in animal cruelty and saving future lives. As a rescuer, I’m saving lives that exist right now in the present—reducing and making up for the cruelty these individuals are experiencing. I believe to be the most impactful as a vegan, we should be working to end animal cruelty in the future and the present.

Where did you rescue your turkeys from?

All of our turkeys were rescued from animal agriculture to prevent their slaughter. The majority were rescued from farms in Virginia and Maryland and the four Bourbon Reds came from the northeast.

What are their lives like now?

Bruce, when rescued, could not stand or walk and suffered from several medical conditions including Green Muscle Disease. Now, after lots of medical care, he runs around with his buddies Fred and Ricky and is in great health.

Bunnie received leg amputation surgery to prolong her life and improve her mobility, and we’ll soon explore artificial limb and mobility aids.

Mondo had a longer and much higher quality of life thanks to months of medical care by avian vets (including surgeries, cold laser therapy, and hydrotherapy) for his aggressive tissue infection.

All the turkeys get to roam outdoors and experience grass under their feet and sunshine on their faces—something they are denied in poultry barns of animal agriculture.

What is their daily routine?

The turkeys come out of their building each day to explore and enjoy a large predator-proof area. Like Cornish Cross chickens, they love mealtime and snacks. Bruce, Ricky, and Fred are always together and on patrol—keeping a sharp eye out for guests and volunteers to say hello to. They spend time investigating in the grass, leaves, or their bird garden and take time to dust bathe. In the evening, they head back into their building to be tucked in for the night. Bunnie, because of her special needs, currently sleeps in a customized cushioned area of our medical center and spends her day hopping around outside on the deck. She has a special needs Cornish Cross rooster friend.

What are your interactions with them like?

Turkeys are very social and inquisitive. They are the sanctuary’s welcoming committee, always at the entrance to greet or say farewell to any visitor. They love being with you and spending time together, just like any friend would. Bruce makes sure we give a hug and a gentle kiss on the top of his head each day!

What are their interactions like with any other animals you have?

While they mostly socialize with each other, the turkeys do visit at times with many chicken or duck friends.

How would you describe the turkeys’ personalities?

Like all farmed animals, each one is a unique individual. Bruce is loving and a big softy, Ricky is bold and confident, Hugs is shy, and Lucy is very independent. Not only does each turkey look different physically (even the Broad Breasted Whites), but they each have their own personality and spirit as well!

How have your rescued turkeys informed your outlook on life?

The rescued turkeys remind you that change is always possible! Growth and improvement can happen in a healthy environment with just a little work and time. Battling [Mondo’s] terminal illness with him taught me to never give up and to keep fighting, even if the odds may be against you.

What is one thing you wish people knew about turkeys?

They can memorize the terrain down to each rock or tree stump of 1,000 acres of land— meanwhile, I’m always getting lost at Walmart or Home Depot! They’re so smart!

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