Operation Rescue Rachel

Yesterday was a BIG day for Tia and her babies, Rachel and Betty. After weeks of spending their days safely in the covered run, we finally let them out into the yard to explore.

The moment that gate opened, they were off!  Chirping, flapping, and positively glowing with excitement. Tia proudly showed her little ones around, leading the way like a seasoned tour guide. They explored every corner together, always staying close. And just as every turkey before them, once they found Sam the tortoise’s yard, they were entranced. It’s tradition at this point: every turkey who meets Sam immediately becomes obsessed with her. 

Eventually, the trio wandered through the open gate into the forest area, seeking more adventure.  But here’s the thing about turkeys: their impressive brains are clearly optimized for important turkey thoughts, like social hierarchy, emotional communication, and snack logistics... not so much for spatial awareness. Fences, in particular, are their nemesis.

So, when it came time to head back, Tia and Betty must have walked through the open gate without a problem. Poor Rachel must have lagged behind and suddenly found himself on the wrong side of the fence -  separated from his mom and sister, who were now chirping worriedly in the main yard.

When I heard their calls and saw Tia and Betty looking distressed, my stomach dropped. But then I noticed Quincy and the other birds were calm, so I knew this wasn’t a predator situation - just a turkey one.

Sure enough, I found Rachel pacing anxiously behind the fence, staring straight at Tia and Betty through the wire. He could see them right there, but instead of walking the few extra feet to go through the open gate, he was absolutely convinced the solution was to run directly at the fence until it changed its mind.

When I walked over to him, Tia and Betty followed, and the moment they realized where Rachel was, they got so excited, calling back and forth to him like, “There you are! We told you to stay close!”

I gave Rachel a few gentle nudges from behind, and after a bit of confusion, he finally spotted the opening. The second he was free, he sprinted straight to Tia and Betty - a full-speed, emotional turkey reunion.
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And then, just as quickly, he turned right back around and ran home to the entrance of the covered run. It was clear that as far as Rachel was concerned, they'd had enough adventure for one day and it was time to go home now.