Can You Have A Turkey As A Pet?

I just realized that I haven’t told the “world” about one of the coolest things that happened to me recently! I got a pet turkey and I highly recommend it. Her name is Charlotte. ❤️

I Got A Pet Turkey

I said it again because I always have to say it twice whenever I tell anyone, haha. There are usually a few clarifying questions. Apparently, pet turkeys are not a common thing. And we acquired her close to Thanksgiving time so you can imagine how she could have ended up a far cry from a pet.

Before becoming a turkey mom, I had no idea how smart they are, how friendly they are, and how much they like hanging out with their people. I also had no idea how much I could love a turkey. And I definitely had no thought in my head of ever owning a turkey. My total experience with turkeys was seeing them at the fair, on the thanksgiving table, and seeing wild turkeys running through neighborhoods after their homes were destroyed so new houses could be built. But yet…

I Got A Pet Turkey

So here’s the story!

Mid-November, I saw a post about a stray turkey found at the park. Clearly, it had been a pet turkey. She was very tame and apparently came right up to the kids.

Although, like I said, a turkey was not on my bucket list (a pig is, though!), I couldn’t resist and I immediately messaged my daughter, Lizzie, in hopes that she would get on board with the idea. This was very calculated as the only person who my husband, Brian, has trouble saying no to more than me is Lizzie. (I feel like I have said the exact same thing on another post but it’s still true, very true.)

But she was definitely not on board. She had a million reasons why it was a bad idea and told me a bunch of stuff that I didn’t want to hear. And after a little time had passed, I let go of the idea because I realized it was probably insane.

Psychic Links Exist

Later that night, Brian randomly asked if we are zoned for turkeys. I immediately got excited, “You saw the post??”

But he didn’t know anything about the post and the random question had just popped in his head. (You cannot convince me that we are not psychically connected.)

So I told him about it and to my surprise, he said I could inquire. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to pursue this mysterious turkey. But, the thing is I have this slightly unhealthy obsession with animals and if you give me the opportunity to get something interesting like a dang turkey, I feel it is my obligation to do so.

So, next thing I know, we’re driving across town to get a pet turkey. Lol.

Trying To Find This Turkey House

We were doing the driving down the street thing, listening to gps and looking for house numbers that were not viewable from the street. Then Brian said that it was probably that house with the turkey. And there she was, in the driveway, behind the gate.

We cautiously let ourselves in, we kept our distance and said hello to her. And she came right on over to say hi!

Moments later, the finder was outside, giving Brian the details while I stared in amazement at the turkey.

Now How Do We Get Her Home?

We weren’t sure how she was going to do in the car. But she let me pick her up and rode all the way home, content on my lap. We got her in the house. We set her down in the living room, sat down and digested the fact that we just brought home a turkey. (We also thoroughly enjoyed the boys‘ reactions when they came downstairs and saw a turkey in the living room…)

I knew she couldn’t live inside as much as she and I (and honestly, Brian too) would love it. But I did stall as long as I could. She soon joined the chickens and ducks outside and they all get along fine. But she does get to visit! And she really does love it.

When she does come in, she loves to sit on the couch, on the bed or on a lap. She is also apparently a football fan.

(She does not however like it when you try to put a harness on her so I guess my fantasy of taking her for walks is not going to happen. 😆)