The Secret Musical Lives of Our Turkeys
Posted by Copas Farm Shop on 29th Sep 2025
When I walk through the fields in the morning, I’m often greeted not just by the gentle chatter of our turkeys, but also by the cheerful jingle of tambourines. It’s a sound that never fails to make me smile. At first, the idea of turkeys playing instruments might sound a little whimsical, but for us it’s an important part of how we keep our birds happy, active and relaxed.
Enrichment in the Fields
I’ve learned over time that turkeys, much like people, thrive when they have variety in their day. Enrichment activities are my way of giving them that variety. By adding tambourines to the fields, we're offering them something new to explore, a little surprise that keeps them curious and engaged.
Encouraging Natural Movement
It’s wonderful to watch. A curious peck or a gentle nudge is all it takes to set the tambourines jingling. That little burst of sound encourages the birds to move around, stretch their wings and interact with each other. I find it helps them express their natural behaviours, whether that’s foraging, investigating or simply enjoying a bit of play.
A Love of Music – Past and Present
Back in the day, we would always have Terry Wogan on Radio 2 switched on to help the turkeys stay calm and to distract them from noisy things happening around the farm. Music has a way of soothing and entertaining them, and it’s lovely to see that same joy now, amplified by the tambourines in the fields.
A Relaxed, Happy Flock
The best part is seeing how relaxed the flock becomes. The tambourines aren’t there to turn the field into a concert hall, they’re simply there to bring a bit of fun and stimulation to the day. The birds stay active, interested and, most importantly, content. A happy turkey is easy to spot: calm, curious and at ease in its surroundings.
Why It Matters to Us
For us, caring for turkeys isn’t just about meeting their basic needs, it’s about giving them the best possible quality of life. Something as simple as a tambourine or a bit of music on the radio can make a real difference. It’s a small act of creativity that adds joy to their world, and in turn, to ours as well.
