Turkey Cuddle Therapy, Fowl Acupuncture: CA Sanctuary Offers Gentle Living For Rescued Animals

SANTA CLARITA, CA — It was 25 years ago when Ellie Laks discovered turkeys love to cuddle.

At her fledgling Southern California animal rescue organization, The Gentle Barn, Laks had developed a routine with a rescued turkey named Spring — "she would follow me, she'd chirp — I'd chirp back, then she'd go off and do her thing," Laks recalled.

"One day she kept following me for much longer than usual and she was chirping much louder than usual," Laks said. "I put down my rake and sat down on the ground and said 'What is it girl?' She sat on my lap and fell asleep. We've been cuddling female turkeys ever since."

A quarter century later, The Gentle Barn has grown to fill a six-acre property in Santa Clarita, plus another location in Nashville, where thousands of animals have been rescued — including turkeys.

And some members of that flock are ready and eager to offer some unexpected affection to visitors. The Gentle Barn's Turkey Cuddle Therapy program gives humans a chance to cozy up with the birds.

Laks says visitors often find the experience moving — plopping down on the ground, putting their legs on either side of the bird, kissing their fuzzy pink heads and sliding their hands under their wings.

"The majority of people burst into tears — they are so touched by this unexpected display of affection. To learn that this crazy-looking bird that we're all taught are stupid, useless and dumb — and only good to eat — all of a sudden they're sitting in your lap, they're trusting you, they're loving you," she said.

For humans, the hour-long therapy session can help ease stress, grief, trauma or depression — or just serve as a pick-me-up, Laks said.

For the birds, the human interaction is one highlight of the kinder, second chance at life offered by Laks and her husband Jay Weiner, The Gentle Barn's co-founder and CEO.

Some of the sanctuary's turkeys — there are a dozen of them in Santa Clarita — have been rescued from slaughterhouses, auction houses, stockyards or backyard butchers, Laks said.

They're treated to a recovery program Laks developed herself, which can include acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, music therapy and energy healing.

The animals that show a love of people through their healing are tapped for cuddle therapy — "they get to choose," Laks said of the participating turkeys.

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Those looking to connect with a turkey on the upcoming holiday can join The Gentle Barn's Gentle Thanksgiving event on Thursday.

Turkey Cuddle Therapy is also available year-round; a $200 donation covers an hourlong session.

More information about The Gentle Barn and its programs is available on its website.