• The turkey was Benjamin Franklin's choice for the United States's national bird.

 

• The noble fowl was a favored food of Native Americans.

 

•  When Europeans arrived, the turkey was one of only two native birds that they domesticate and raised on their farms. - the Muscovy duck shares the distinction.

 

• By the early 20th century, wild turkeys no longer roamed over much of their traditional range. They had been wiped out by hunting and the disappearance of their favored woodland habitat.

 

Wild turkeys typically forage on forest floors, but can also be found in grasslands and swamps. They feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and salamanders.  This information was taken from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com

 

At Cub Creek Science Camp we have wild turkey that roam in the woods and valleys of the ranch but we also have tame turkeys for our campers to enjoy.  Turkeys are large beautiful birds that can be quite gentle.  We have had Bourbon Red turkeys that are known for their deep red feathers and bright white markings.  They are similar in size and shape to the wild turkey of Missouri but the marking are distinctly different.  Our campers at summer Science Camp may adopt a turkey for a week and learn all the useful facts of how to care for a pet turkey.