AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

varied comments in a few other threads prompted me to post this - - - -

Picture this -
9am Saturday 27 Dec 2008
I lifted one of our young gentlemen into the car and off we went on the 45min trip to the Vets so this one could have a check up – he had been sneezing and blowing clear fluid out his nose since mid morning the previous day
He enjoyed the trip looking out the back window the bulk of the time and walked sedately and regally [on his lead] into the Vets – we were welcomed with cheery smiles and warm greetings from all the staff.
We were the first of the day so no other pets were there to upset him.
All the staff were happy to see him of course – it isn’t every day one as large and calm as this one pays them a visit.
He was lifted onto the scales and just stood still until lifted back off – much to the delight and relief of all. He weighed in at exactly 23kg – not bad for one only just 6mths old.
He sat calmly while he had a full check up – his heart had a good rhythm – the solidness/soundness of his bones was commented on and his muscle to fat ratio was commended as it was in the Vet’s opinion to be exactly correct - his breathing was good and deep but some rattling could be heard – the clear fluid was still present but not as bad as the previous day.
He was prescribed the necessary medicants and I proceeded to walk him out of the Surgery room [I could hear that other patients had arrived and didn’t want to frighten them with his size but knowing it could not be avoided] –
WELL – when the door opened to this lovely young man =
A few ‘patients’ were sitting on their 'human pets' laps waiting their turn and these 'pets’ just stared mouths agape and eyes bogged
This young gent just calmly continued to walk across the waiting room to the door – and I said “We have large pets don’t we” eyes still standing out these same people sort of smiled and most shook their heads in bemusement.
You see – their pets were a Maltese dog a Shitzu and a few assorted cats and this young gent on the lead is one of our turkeys – his name = Turkey Sandwich [the kids reckon that way he wouldnt ever be eaten]

I reckon we have great pets - albeit 'different' from the mainstream ones

Subsequently this young gent has had his follow-up check was weighed again and now weighs 35kg as a fully mature bird. Yes he walked in once again on his lead. However this time it was later in the day and there were several people in the waiting area. All were asked by staff to stay still and quiet and to limit the patients noise levels. None were told why – they soon found out.
Turkey Sandwich calmly walked in slightly in front of me and amazingly straight across to the scales [he must have remembered the previous visit]. Well - glancing surreptitiously around I saw the stunned faces and had to hold tight the laugher.
Needless to say he got a clean bill of health and once again caused a minor sensation in our local town. I suppose it isn’t every day that one sees a huge turkey either in a car looking out the window OR walking calmly on a lead and taking its ‘human pet’ for a walk

So Turkey Sandwich [yes that IS his name] now spends his days wandering around our property and attempting to get in the car each time we go out

pics of Mr Sandwich are in the Gallery
he was meant to be turned INTO turkey sandwiches but well ummm yeah [pay attention to the date of the trip folks!!]
Mr Sandwich also demonstrates well the 'character' of turkeys

i would love to have seen that, turkey's scare me

Sooz,

Now that is just what I needed today. Thanks.

I love to shock and your story has me smiling big time.

Good on you Turkey Sandwich.

spanky there is no need to be 'scared' of turkeys = if brought up right =
with loving care and consideration they are wonderful pets

b&p = "yr welcome" she says with a curtsie and a bit of a chuckle

actually I just called out to TS and he came running = was about to go into the wrong field [again ] he just loves the big trees abt 200mts away - only trouble = at 35kg he doesnt stand a snowballs chance in the desert of even reaching the lowest branches but he does love to dream abt it 'obviously' cheeky shite isnt he!!!!!!
earlier he helped me to attach some mesh to the back gate things go so much slower when they all try to help you

another mental picture = a friend with turkeys told me one afternoon recently that she had to detangle something from under the rideon mower - so she stuck her head underneath it to check it first incase she needed tools - only to have the turkeys stick their heads under too imagine the thougths of anyone driving past!!!!!!

LOL .. aaww you have to love fowl of ALL kinds, unique and hillarious

Enjoyable story, I used to be scared of them too but I am happy to report not any more. I seem to have overcome my fear and when confronted recently did not experience any anxiety

Maybe his name should be 'rover' as he sounds more like a dog than a turkey.

great story ,


i would of loved to see there faces , when they spoted the turkey

Rover does suit him he is very dog like - but - - - TS it has to remain especially when there is dense fog and you have no idea where he has gone this time - call out - and this shadowy figure emerges from the fog from yet ANOTHER paddock the wish to fly onto a branch is strong in that one yeah he was headed for the trees in THAT paddock this morning - and he took abt 7 or 8 with him this time
at least they all come back when called

Jase - the looks on the faces - yeah - a real Kodak moment

Am beginning to want a son of TS sooz. Would have to call him Cranberry though