Introducing.... Reginald!

This absolutely handsome boy was the sole survivor of a weasel attack. His female turkey friend, as well as all his chicken friends, were killed in front of him. His human was selling him on Craigslist. We told her we wouldn’t pay, but could offer a good home. His human agreed. A friend of mine near his home went to pick him up, and she said he was sitting in the corner, facing the wall. He didn’t respond to or acknowledge her when she went in. He was devastated and alone.

Reggie’s feet are in rough shape. His toenails are so long that they’re curling under. He is scared of everything here, including me. I can’t imagine witnessing the things he has, losing all your friends, and then being uprooted and placed in a new home. He doesn’t know he’s safe yet and it breaks my heart.

Don’t worry, sweet boy. I will give you time. I will give you as much space as you need and as much love as you want. Soon you will know you are safe. As much as I wish I could erase your memories, I will do my best to give you happiness here. Life will get better. You’re home.

Amelia and Reggie go everywhere together now and it just makes my entire life. I’ve been letting them free range a bit until we can get a run built for them, and they headed over to meet my neighbor’s horses. They are so curious!

I honestly cannot get over these two. I was so nervous that Amelia was always going to hate Reggie, but they are now two peas in a pod. Both of their previous partners were killed. Both had significant trauma in their lives and both were very fearful when they arrived. Turkeys FEEL. It’s been amazing to watch their transformations and I’m sure that with time they will become even more comfortable and even happier here.

This picture is taken from inside, looking out my sliding glass door. They are just stopping by to say hello. ❤️❤️❤️

Because the craziness never ends, Reggie is breathing with his beak open. Which is not good. It means he’s having a bit of trouble. And Amelia is shivering, even though it’s super nice out. I’m hoping Reggie is just a bit overheated but there is likely a vet visit in his future.

Reggie! Oh Reggie. He hasn’t been walking around displaying (puffing up) nearly as often lately. Seen here “half-puffed.” 😂 He used to ALWAYS walk around like that, grand and showing off. At first I was nervous that he wasn’t feeling well, or was sad, or that something else was wrong. Why didn’t he want to show off for me anymore? Why wasn’t he happy? Then we had a few visitors. He puffed up and paraded around for them! We had visitors a few days later and he strutted around for them too! What in the world?!

And I realized... Reggie is comfortable here now. He doesn’t feel like he HAS to show off because he knows I’m not going to hurt him. He knows he’s safe here and he’s comfortable being his “boring” and vulnerable self. He lets me get closer than ever before, and he sees the girls getting close to me. He knows he can relax. And THAT is so much more beautiful than any display ever could be. Oh, Reggie. I love you SO much. 💕🦃

Reggie had a bit of a rough molt and looked a bit barer than he liked, but his feathers are growing back and he’s strutting around again like the beautiful boy he is!

Summer is hard for birds who are bred to be big. The heat is difficult for everyone, but when you’re abnormally fat and your circulation kind of sucks, it’s even worse. Thankfully Reggie has us, and we work hard to make sure he and the other turkeys are comfortable year round. We tell him he’s handsome year round too. 😉

Reginald the Great, aka Reggie, in all of his muddy glory. This boy has one thing on his mind this time of year, and he’s struttin’ just about every moment he’s awake. Spot and Coretta, his ladies, usually couldn’t care less. 😂 But that doesn’t slow him down. He’s gotta show off for everyone around.

Reggie, our male turkey, deciding to sleep in the weeds instead of in his coop. Sorry Reg, that’s not how things work around here. Get to bed, sir!

But both he and I love our runs right now. The weeds, the wildflowers, and bugs and seeds and butterflies. Although every resident here is domestic, allowing them a natural environment keeps them healthier and happier, and that is the whole point of sanctuary, after all. It’s the ultimate enrichment.

And everybody knows, if the turkeys ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Or… something like that. 😆