how many legs does a turkey have

How Many Legs Does a Turkey Have? Debunking the Myth of the 4-Legged Bird

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, turkeys are on the mind of many. As we prepare to roast these large, tasty birds, some questions come up. One of the most common myths is that turkeys have four legs instead of two. Where did this urban legend originate, and what’s the real story behind how many legs a turkey has? Let’s find out.

The Origins of the 4-Legged Turkey Myth

While it may seem far-fetched that a bird could have four legs there are a few reasons this myth has persisted over time

• Early Thanksgiving Depictions – In some early depictions of the first Thanksgiving, artists took creative license and drew turkeys with four legs. This helped stabilize the large birds on the canvas or in sketches and made for whimsical detailing.

• Children’s Stories – Some children’s tales describe turkeys as having four legs. The extra pair of limbs was added to anthropomorphize the turkeys and give them human-like qualities.

• Confusion with Other Birds – Some people wrongly assume that since chickens and other poultry have four appendages, turkeys must too. Of course, those extra “legs” on chickens are actually wings.

• The Turducken – This unique poultry dish stuffs a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey, totaling four sets of legs. Referring to a turducken as a “four-legged turkey” led to further misunderstanding.

• Wishbones – Since turkeys have two separate wishbones in their chest cavity, some speculate this “extra bone” must come from an extra set of legs. Of course, it simply means turkeys have two fused clavicles.

While the myth has spread far and wide, turkeys in reality only have two legs, just like all other birds.

Turkey Leg Anatomy and Physiology

So let’s set the record straight – turkeys are bipedal, meaning they walk on two limbs. These two legs allow them to walk, scratch, forage, and even swim on occasion. Here’s some more on turkey leg anatomy:

• Scaly Skin – The legs are covered in bumpy, scaly skin. The scales help protect the legs and are usually yellowish or grayish in color.

• No Feathers – Unlike the breast and other areas of the turkey, the legs have no feathers on them. Feathers would interfere with a turkey’s ability to walk.

• Spurs – Male turkeys have pointed spikes on their legs that are used for fighting and display purposes. These spurs grow from the back of the leg and can be over an inch long.

• Thick Bones – A turkey leg contains the tibia and fibula bones which are quite thick and substantial compared to other birds. This allows them to support the turkey’s large size.

• Strong Tendons – Tendons give the turkey mobility, flexibility, and stability in its legs and feet. They attach the muscles to the bones.

• Feet and Toes – Turkeys have four-toed feet, three pointing forward and one pointing back. These help the turkey grasp branches, walk, and scratch.

From scaling and spurs to tendons and toes, turkey legs have many unique characteristics. But at the end of the day, no matter how fascinating their anatomy, turkeys only have two of them!

Preparing and Cooking Turkey Legs

Due to their constant use, the legs contain more connective tissue, so they take longer to cook than turkey breast meat. However, properly prepared turkey legs are moist, succulent and full of flavor. Here are some tips:

• Brining – Soaking the legs in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning. Brine for 10-12 hours in the refrigerator.

• Slow Roasting – Cook legs for 2-3 hours at 300°F to break down connective tissue and yield tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

• Smoking – A smoked turkey leg has an irresistible savory flavor from 4-6 hours in a smoker at 225°F. Use aromatic wood chips for enhanced taste.

• Deep Frying – Submerge turkey legs in 350°F oil for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

• Grilling – Grill over indirect heat on a medium grill for 40-60 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

• Braising – Simmer legs in liquid like broth, wine or barbecue sauce for 1-2 hours until extremely tender.

With the proper prep and cooking method, turkey legs can become your new favorite part of the Thanksgiving bird. Just be sure to grab only two per turkey!

The Takeaway: Turkeys Have Two Legs

While turduckens, wishbones and wild imaginations have contributed to the myth over the years, turkeys only have two legs. With scales, tendons, thighs, drumsticks and feet, we have turkeys to thank for providing us with quite a bit of delicious dark meat. This Thanksgiving when you sit down to feast, you can set the record straight on turkeys only having two of these fantastic limbs. Gobble gobble!