When Sam Peckett came to Sweet Farm, he was grieving.
Sam is a Chocolate heritage turkey, and he'd recently lost his companion when he found his way to us. The kind man caring for him believed Sam deserved a flock, so he brought him to us. We agreed. But even surrounded by new friends, Sam was still looking for someone special. All of our turkey ladies are broad-breasted whites, and none of them chose Sam, probably because he looked different. And even though he tried to impress them with his beautiful plumage and abundant beard, none of the turkey ladies seemed to feel the same way about him.
So we went looking for a match.
Through a friend of the farm, we found a homestead that breeds heritage turkeys. We don't support breeding animals to be eaten or sold. Every turkey is an individual, and none of them should be treated as a product. But we knew this homestead might have an older hen whose breeding days were nearly over, and we asked if she could retire with us instead.
They had one. But her owner wanted one more season of eggs from her, so we waited. For months, Sam's companion was out there, and all we could do was be patient.
When the day finally came, we drove out to bring our girl home. While we were there, the homesteader asked if we'd like some baby turkeys too. We politely said, “no thank you.”
Then we saw them.
"Actually," we said, "yes, please."
So we came home with three turkeys instead of one: Cessna (the laying mama), and two little boys we named Kyle (a midget white) and Turkey Lurkey (a Chocolate heritage like Sam and Cessna). Instead of being sold or eaten, they get to grow up safe, together. As a family. Today the four turkeys are inseparable, and the cutest little family on the farm.
And here's the part we love most: since Cessna came from the same homestead, it's entirely possible that Turkey Lurkey is her own son.
We often think about rescue as saving lives, and it is. But Sam didn't just need to be safe. He needed a family to make him whole again. Rescue is also about noticing when an animal is in need, and doing whatever it takes to fix it.
Sometimes it takes months of waiting. Sometimes it takes a change of heart in a homestead barnyard. Sanctuary is about nurturing souls, not just saving lives. And none of it happens without you.
Thank you for being part of Sam's story.
Sam was so excited to meet them that he was dressed to impress the whole day!
P.S. Sam, Cessna, Kyle, and Turkey Lurkey are all part of our Turkey Team. If their story made you smile, you can click below to help care for the whole flock.
