4 turkeys have reason to give thanks

Four turkeys have a new home for the holidays.
HOMEWORTH -- Four recently rescued turkeys will spend Thanksgiving near here eating and drinking instead of being eaten.
Dr. Molly Merryman, an assistant professor of justice studies at Kent State University's Trumbull Campus, says the birds -- three hens and a rooster -- will live out their lives peaceably on her rural property.
Merryman, a vegetarian, received the turkeys Nov. 8 via the "Turkey Express " vehicle from Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, N.Y.
The group says it's the nation's leading farm animal-protection organization that exposes and stops cruel practices in animal industries, rescues animals and promotes a vegetarian diet.
Most people on Thursday will flock to Thanksgiving Day feasts and ask for white or dark turkey meat, or both.
But Farm Sanctuary spokeswoman Tricia Ritterbusch, said, "You can have a wonderful Thanksgiving but without the bird."
A turkey-free Thanksgiving may fly in the face of the contemporary celebration of the holiday, but it also represents the freedom for which many give thanks, the professor said.
"It's the spirit of America," Merryman said. "It's a series of personal choices and activities and following through with what we believe."
The educator said that in rescuing animals and promoting a vegetarian diet, she is putting her beliefs into action.
History
Thanksgiving was originally tied more to harvest festivals featuring food from the earth rather than today's turkey-oriented celebration, Merryman said.
Chicken was the common Thanksgiving poultry served until the turkey industry began promoting its product in the 1950s.
The four turkeys were among 200 young birds that a man obtained and planned to sell over the Internet, Ritterbusch said. The turkeys were rescued in July in Binghamton, N.Y. About 80 were nursed back to health at the sanctuary's shelter in Watkins Glen. The organization also has a shelter in Orland, Calif.
People can help support animals at the shelters or adopt. Those who adopt must have references from friends and veterinarians.
Merryman is a contributor to Farm Sanctuary and has volunteered at local animal shelters.
Ritterbusch said that some cramped so-called "factory farms" trim the beaks and toes of turkeys because of the cramped conditions in which they live before they are slaughtered at age 5 months. She added that the ones delivered to Merryman are lucky because they are intact.
How birds are faring
The quartet is in good health, although one is being treated for a cut to her breast. The turkeys have their own shelter, with light, heat, food and water.
The turkeys join the now-healthy and happy abandoned dogs and cats that Merryman has rescued.
"I've always been an animal lover," she said.
Turkeys have a reputation for being nervous, at least at this time of year.
That's not true, Merryman said. "They're really curious."
The turkeys stay close together, will follow when she goes for a walk with her dogs and instead of gobbling, make a cooing sound -- "comforting and sweet," she said.
Ritterbusch added that turkeys have a spot on their bellies that they, like dogs, like to have rubbed.
"They'll melt into your hands," she said.
XFor more information, visit http://www.farmsanctuary.org or call (607) 583-2225.