As a long-time turkey enthusiast and expert, I was both shocked and fascinated when I first heard reports of a four-legged turkey seen roaming the countryside. While extremely rare, four-legged turkeys do occasionally appear due to a genetic mutation resulting in additional limbs. In this article, I’ll explore the origins, science, and symbolism of these remarkable four-legged wonders of nature.
Sightings of four-legged turkeys have been documented for over a century, with reports dating back to the 1890s in the United States. While many dismiss these accounts as tall tales or hoaxes, evidence proves that quadrupedal turkeys, while extremely uncommon, do exist.
Most four-legged turkeys are born with two normal legs and two additional vestigial legs protruding from their backs. The legs are usually small and unusable, but some turkeys have fully-formed, functional extra limbs. This mutation is the result of a rare genetic abnormality that causes the duplication of limb buds during embryonic development.
I find the occurrence of four-legged turkeys absolutely fascinating from a scientific perspective. As a turkey breeding expert, I understand that genetic diversity is crucial for healthy turkey populations. Anomalies like the four-legged turkey may seem bizarre but they represent the wide range of possibilities within the turkey genome.
Additionally, the fact that four-legged individuals can survive and thrive is impressive evidence of the turkey’s resilience. Despite its disability, the four-legged turkey manages to live a full life with the help of its additional limbs. To me, they symbolize the indomitable turkey spirit and a reminder that differences make each turkey special.
While many four-legged turkeys come from wild flocks, some have been purposefully bred by farmers and breeders intrigued by their rarity. In the 1920s, a breeder named Ezra Steiner managed to produce over 20 quadrupedal turkeys by selectively breeding birds expressing the trait. His four-legged flock became famous and toured as carnival acts, demonstrating that the mutation could be propagated intentionally.
Additional cases of four-legged turkeys being hatched have popped up sporadically since then. In 2010, a Massachusetts farmer hatched a four-legged poult which he named Paulie. Paulie grew into a healthy adult turkey with one small leg and one large, fully-functional extra leg articulate enough to kick and scratch. Paulie gained national media attention and highlights that these amazing turkeys continue to appear today.
Other recent four-legged turkeys include a 2013 poult in Minnesota, a 2018 poult named Lucky in Kentucky, and a 2021 poult named Peg in California. Lucky’s owner noted how quickly she adapted to her extra legs, easily running and keeping up with the rest of the flock. Peg’s owner was surprised to discover his extra appendages, stating, “I picked him up and almost dropped him! 4 legs!? I was not expecting that.”
These accounts suggest that the four-legged turkey genetic variation still persists in modern domesticated flocks. While an exact estimate is difficult to determine experts hypothesize that one in several million turkeys may express four legs. Their rarity means spotting a four-legged turkey in the wild is extremely unlikely making those few who have witnessed it very fortunate.
So if you notice a turkey scurrying around quicker than others, take a second look! You may have spotted the elusive four-legged turkey. And if you do catch a glimpse of one of these extraordinary birds, consider snapping a photo as evidence. Researchers are still seeking to understand the genetic mechanisms behind four-legged turkeys and documentation helps provide scientific insights.
Ultimately, no matter how many legs they have, all turkeys deserve respect. But the four-legged turkey holds a special place in my heart due to their legendary status. To me, they represent nature’s creativity and remind us that sometimes the abnormal can become extraordinary. Hopefully as breeding practices progress, more four-legged turkeys are hatched so more people can marvel at their uniqueness. The four-legged turkey is a rare and wondrous bird, proving once again that turkeys will never cease to amaze.
Family that walks on all fours baffles scientists: They ‘shouldn’t exist’
FAQ
Why did my turkey have four legs?
How do they make a six-legged turkey?
How many turkey legs per person?
How many legs does a six-legged turkey have?
Joe Pat Fieseler, the owner of Harvey’s Barbecue Pit, decided to create a six-legged turkey following this, which of course is not a crazy mutation that people are in the dark about. Two legs were natural, while four were added with skewers for effect.
What is a whole turkey leg?
Whole turkey legs are made up of the thigh and drumstick, but many people use “turkey leg” to refer to just the drumstick. Drumsticks should be readily available in the meat section of your local grocery store. Though whole legs are harder to come by, you may be able to find them at a butcher.
How to cook turkey legs?
Follow these steps to cook juicy and delicious turkey legs. In a large bowl or a large vessel, pour water, kosher salt, and brown sugar into it. Shake the vessel or bowl until the sugar and salt dissolve. Make sure that the turkey legs are placed below the water level. Now, adjust the other ingredients you want to add to the brine solution.
What are turkey legs & thighs?
Turkey legs and thighs are dark meat. Turkeys spend a lot of time walking on the ground. Their leg muscles are adapted for regular, continuous use. Leg and thigh muscles consist primarily of red muscle fibers. These fibers contract slowly and split ATP for energy at a relatively low rate. Red muscle fibers rely on aerobic respiration.
How many turkey leg recipes are there?
Looking for turkey leg recipes? Allrecipes has more than 30 trusted turkey leg recipes complete with ratings, reviews and cooking tips. What would you like to cook? Looking for turkey leg recipes? Allrecipes has more than 30 trusted turkey leg recipes complete with ratings, reviews and cooking tips.
Can you cook a turkey leg without a breast?
You can do that with just bone-in legs, not breasts! You can certainly bake your turkey leg until it reaches 165°F, it will take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours instead of 2 1/2 hours. The meat will be good but it needs to be cut off the bone with a knife and it’s just not that tender.