Here are some turkey trivia nuggets to share around the table this Thanksgiving:
A group of turkeys is called a rafter or a gang.
Don’t hold your breath for an animated blockbuster about two wild turkeys that meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. Wild turkeys are promiscuous, with gobblers trying to breed with as many hens as possible during mating season.
Wild turkeys can and do fly, though adults rarely fly without gliding for more than an eight of a mile. They can fly at an estimated 55 mph, but prefer to move about on foot.
Everyone knows the “gobble-gobble” turkey sound, but it’s one of only 28 different calls the birds produce. They also let out some “putts,” “yelps” and “hisses.”
Only 70% of turkeys live past two weeks and the average life span is 1-1/2 years. The oldest wild turkey ever identified made it to the ripe old age of 15 and lived in Massachusetts.
Turkeys apparently have dandruff problems. They prefer water baths to deal with dead skin and excess oils, but those who live in drier areas rely on “dusting” to stay clean. Dusting involves kicking fine dust onto their back, working it in and shaking it off.