77. ~ Turkey ~

Turkeys have a bare head. The neck wattled and bill area of a male is surmounted with a conical fleshy caruncle. This may sometimes be erect or sometimes elongated and looking like a pendulous growth. The bill itself is rather short, curved and very strong. They have a tail which is long, broad and rounded. Turkeys can erect their tail and spread it out like a giant fan. Wild turkeys roost on trees. The feed on a variety of grain, seed, fruits, grass, insects and even on lizards and small frogs. The great taste of turkey makes this bird a prized-eating-poultry. The young hens or the older gobbler makes for the best eating. The males are called Tom Turkeys or Gobblers. A domestic turkey might weigh twice what a wild turkey does. Many domestic ones become so plump they are unable to fly, or at least very far. Female turkeys may incubate eighteen or more eggs at a time. These females are called hens and their babies are poults or chicks. One Indian name for them is 'firkee.' When a turkey is frightened, it sounds a "turk, turk, turk, noise. When turkeys walk, they make a short, jerky movement. Native peoples refer to turkeys as 'earth eagles' and they consider them special animals.

Medicine:

Turkey medicine teaches us to be proud of who we are, and that under the right circumstance it is okay to 'strut our stuff!' Turkeys teach us to sacrifice and give for the benefit of others. Turkey medicine teaches us to study 'crow' medicine as well because turkeys are afraid of crows. Turkeys remind us to gather with our family, especially during the holiday season. Turkeys teach us we can learn from both our elders and the youngsters around us. The turkey says to use good taste in our dealings with others. Turkey medicine to Native Americans is the spirit of freely giving to others.