In mid June, we expanded our flock of birds further by bringing home four turkeys. Bryon and I had discussed adding ducks next, but then Sadlon Family Farm posted on social media about available turkey poults (young fowl). When I saw the offer, I knew Bryon would jump at the chance. Turns out, I know him as well as I thought.

But unlike the vast majority of commercially raised turkeys in our country, these birds are a heritage breed. The Narragansett hails from Rhode Island back in the 1600’s as a cross between wild turkeys and domestic European ones. Heritage turkeys in general grow more slowly than the commercial ones, are more likely to forage, and are able to mate naturally. Narragansett turkeys get along well with other birds and are good mothers. They are large birds, but have less breast meat than some heritage breeds and far less than a Butterball.

And here’s where we really talk turkey. The birds are “named” Thanksgiving, Christmas, Leftovers, and Gravy. Some friends and family have bemoaned the fact that we plan to eat these birds. (We may keep one, then get an unrelated turkey to mate and raise chicks…depending on how things go.) But here’s the thing. We are farmers aiming to produce as much of our own food as possible. We want to grow what we eat and know where it comes from and that it was created in a manner beneficial for us and the earth. And when it comes to animals we will consume, we intend to afford them happy lives. Days filled roaming across soft green grass, with plenty of good food and fresh water, regularly dispensed treats, and lots of singing. I’m pretty sure the same cannot be said for the majority of animals providing the meat available in any given grocery store in any given town across the nation.

My friend Angela Sadlon told me the Narragansett they gobbled up last Thanksgiving was the best turkey she’d ever had. We’ll have to see if ours make it that long.

Turkeys are notoriously dumb, prone to suicide missions, be it jumping off a roof or drowning themselves by drinking from a downspout. We are two months in and doing well so far.

We will keep you posted, of course.