Birth date: 05 August 2017                   Arrival date: 24 December 2017

​

A very lucky group of 18 week old Turkey toms arrived at Little Oak Sanctuary the day before Christmas, 2017.

​

Having been bought from a Turkey farm by a kind hearted individual wanting to spare as many souls as they were able from the terrible fate that awaited them as a Christmas gesture, these birds have now reached sanctuary.

 

In developed countries, more than 90% of commercial turkey production takes place in intensive production systems called factory farms. Turkeys raised in factory farms spend their entire lives (a grand total of three months) in crowded sheds with thousands of other birds.

 

On average, between three and five million turkeys are killed annually in Australia for meat.  These birds have been selectively bred to grow extremely large, extremely quickly. 

 

One report explains: If a 3kg (human) baby grew at the same rate that today's turkey grows, when the baby reached 18 weeks, they would weigh approximately 227 kg.

 

Australians eat approximately 1kg of turkey per person per year, most of which is consumed during one week at Christmas. The turkeys that are grown for the meat industry are killed at an average 10 - 12 weeks of age, when they are still only infants with unnaturally overweight distorted bodies. The toms (male turkeys) can sometimes be kept up to 16 weeks of age.

 

The life cycle of a turkey in a factory farm is, arguably, a fast and furious three months of suffering. Make your festive season one of peace and joy for all, and choose animal friendly options!

 

You can help turkeys by becoming a sponsor.