‘Gobbles’ and ‘Gus’: A Turkey’s Tale

DIAS CREEK – With millions of Butterballs and supermarket specials headed for the oven, there’s one turkey who will not be joining his brothers and sisters as they make their way from coop to tabletop this Thanksgiving. Mr. Gobbles, a 3-year-old, 35-pound Royal Palm turkey will be spending his second Thanksgiving not as a centerpiece of a meal but as the center of attention at Cedar Grove Farm on Route 47.
“We do use the word “Thanksgiving” around him because he’s safe,” said Jenn Matthews when asked if Mr. Gobbles has ever been exposed to the word that sends fear into the hearts of his well-bred brethren.
According to Matthews’ mother, Linda Parson, the family will be sitting down to a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Matthews, however, does not eat fowl.
“I have chickens, too, at home and it’s too familiar,” said Matthews explaining why she opts for a standing rib roast repast for her holiday meal.
The turkey was adopted by the Parson family almost two years ago. Matthews said he was raised by a county Mosquito Control employee as a poult and came to the family when he was about a year-and-a-half old.
“It was his last turkey, and we only had one guinea hen,” said Matthews “so we thought we’d try it.”
And that guinea fowl, Gus, is what sets Mr. Gobbles apart from the rest of the birds.
Matthews explained prior to obtaining the endangered breed bird she researched if guinea fowl and turkeys could co-exist peacefully. Much to her chagrin she learned the two species, especially two males, were not well-suited.
“Everything I read said they would not get along,” said Matthews.
When the family initially brought Mr. Gobbles to the coop, he and Gus were separated by a wire wall that allowed them their own space. She said she was shocked one morning when she came out to find Gus had not quite flown the coop, but had flown through a space atop the dividing wall and was happily sitting next to Mr. Gobbles, who seemed equally as content to have a new friend.
Matthews said unlike domestic turkeys that are limited in their flying ability, guinea fowl are capable of flying to the tops of trees, which explained how Gus made the transition from his side of the wire to Mr. Gobbles’ side.
The birds are now inseparable as they go about their day on the farm. They seem to have formed a domesticated partnership with Gus, 7, the older of the two, leading Mr. Gobbles when the pair goes walking. The duo is always within constant sight or constant call of each other as they mill about the farm. The tame tom gobbles frequently as he communicates with his feathered best friend who cackles in response.
“If Gobbles can’t find Gus he gets very upset,” said Parson.
To accommodate the friendship, the wall separating the turkey and the guinea fowl was removed.
With the big day looming and thoughts of a turkey dinner followed by a day of turkey sandwiches and turkey soup, Mr. Gobbles will be joining the rest of America in filling his belly. In addition to turkey feed, he is known to enjoy table scraps such as leftover vegetables and pasta. And he will be partaking of leftovers from the Thanksgiving dinner, although his treat will not include leftover turkey.
“He eats anything vegetable, but not meat,” said Parson.
While a photographer snapped his picture, Mr. Gobbles waddled, gobbled and fluffed his plumage for the camera.
“He’s saying ‘I’m gorgeous,’” said Parson as she and her 1-year-old grandson, Charlie Matthews, watched. Nearby, Gus pecked at the ground- always within sight of his pretty, plumed pal.
Parson said wild turkeys visit the farm. Neither Mr. Gobbles nor Gus is fazed by them.
“They do nothing,” she said. “There is no response at all. They totally ignore them.”
While he may ignore other turkeys, Mr. Gobbles loves to be with people.
“You can be in the barn and call to him and he answers,” said Matthews. She demonstrated how calling out “Gobbles!” will cause the turkey to return the salutation.
Mr. Gobbles is the first turkey Parson and her daughter has owned. Parson said she hopes to enlarge the coop so they can add additional turkeys, Matthews said she vacillates on the idea.
“They get along well,” said Parson.
According to Matthews, guinea fowl have an average life expectancy of approximately two years, making Gus a very senior citizen.
Parson said in the event of demise of one of the birds, the family “will definitely” bring in a new friend for the mourning bird.
“I love all my animals,” said Matthews. “They become members of the family here. We’re not normal farmers.”
As Mr. Gobbles continued to strut throughout the farm, Parson said he was showing his plumage to show how beautiful he is – and not to eat him.
“He’s a ham,” replied Matthews. “And he prefers people who like ham.”