Cookham turkeys strike a festive note at Copas Farm

Turkeys in Cookham are getting into the Christmas spirit with the help of musical instruments at Copas Farm.

As the festive countdown continues, the sound of jingle bells can be heard across the fields – not from Santa’s sleigh, but from turkeys pecking away at tambourines and bells hung around their paddocks.

Farmer Tom Copas and his team introduced the instruments to keep the birds happy, entertained and relaxed.

Turkeys are naturally inquisitive, and without stimulation, they can become bored or restless, sometimes leading to stress and bickering within the flock.

Bright, red-handled instruments are suspended throughout the fields to catch the birds’ attention, and staff say the turkeys quickly took to them, happily tapping out jingling rhythms.

Visitors and passers-by have also stopped to enjoy the unusual sight, with some likening it to a Christmas carol rehearsal.

Farmer, Tom Copas, said: "Turkeys are naturally inquisitive, so we're always looking for creative ways to keep them happy and engaged.

“The birds love the sound of the tambourines, and we can regularly hear them tapping out tunes.

“They're a huge hit with passers-by too, who stop to listen. It really adds to the Christmas atmosphere around the farm."

The family-run farm, founded in 1957, has been refining its free-range and slow-rearing methods for nearly 70 years.

This light-hearted idea reflects Copas Farm’s long-standing commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.  

Copas turkeys are raised for up to 26 weeks, which is more than twice as long as most supermarket birds, allowing them to grow slowly and naturally.

The result, the farm says, is a richer flavour, tender meat and crisp golden skin that doesn't need basting.

Farmer Tom added: “All our birds enjoy a completely free-range lifestyle as part of our unique and natural rearing process.

“They are given the time and space to grow at their own pace, resulting in a turkey that is richly flavoured with a natural layer of fat beneath the skin, making them the juiciest and most flavoursome birds.

“Throughout their time at the farm, their welfare is our top priority, and we do everything we can to keep them safe and happy – even if that means we have to hear their ‘music’ all day long.”

Copas Farm began when Tom Copas Sr. was given 153 turkeys by his father.

Today, the business produces more than 30,000 turkeys each year to supply families across the UK.

This Christmas, the farm is also launching a new ‘Christmas in a Box’ option, which includes a whole free-range turkey alongside a selection of festive trimmings and accompaniments.

All boxes include: 

• 6kg Free Range Whole Turkey (sizes range from 4kg to 10kg, serving 8 to 22 people)
• Classic Cranberry Sauce 
• Artisan Coronation Sauce 
• Festive Fig Chutney
• British Goose Fat
• Luxury Bread Sauce
• Traditional Roast Gravy
• Sage & Onion Stuffing 
• Roasting Oil

This is complete with cooking instructions, a handy pop-up timer, and a sprig of rosemary and prepared giblets to complete the festive feast. 

Boxes are available for UK delivery or local collection, with orders open via the Copas Farm Shop website.