Bindi & Fifi

BLUE SLATE/RED BOURBON TURKEYS

• From Grass Valley, California

• Rescued November 2023

With Isabelle and Lola already gone and Julia declining... I had thought about taking in additional turkeys, but I was not sure about the timing. When we made plans to get the Guinea Fowl, I secretly hoped that there would be turkeys available. I even took an extra crate with us, just in case.

Once we secured the three Guinea Fowl, I scanned the aviary for turkeys. It was quite crowded and noisy. The birds were kept inside to make it easier to catch them.

I noticed a smaller, scruffy looking turkey and inquired why her feathers were disheveled. The breeder explained that she had, "F*d Around and Found Out". The hen had flown over the fence and into the dogs' pen, where they promptly plucked her feathers. So... of course I wanted her!

After realizing that we run an animal sanctuary, the breeder asked us to also take in a gimpy bird. Without even seeing her, I, of course, said yes.

I assumed by saying that she was gimpy that he meant she walked with a limp. But it was far worse. At one week old, the turkey's leg was broken by rats that infiltrated the aviary. She still has a left leg, but it healed into an awful and awkward position that makes it unusable. She essentially hops like a kangaroo to get around.

I named the first one "Fifi" and the gimpy one, "Bindi".

At first, they were very skittish, but also curious. Julia was amazing with them and showed them the way. They were hesitant about eating different foods. But once they saw Julia gobbling down berries... they figured out that life is pretty good here!

Bindi spent a lot of time cuddling with Julia. With Julia being immobile, Bindi felt comfortable with her new friend. It was so sweet to see them together.. even though it just 8 days.

Fifi reminds me of Lola, but sweeter. By the second day, she was eating out of my hand and coming up to me. But she's not pecking my face or hands like Lola.

Fifi and Bindi have had rough starts, but they are already flourishing under our care. And they're so sweet!!

Everyone, please welcome home Fifi and Bindi!