Hatching a New Chapter: Meet Ares and Zeus

Holly has been part of the Aldingbourne Farm team since 2021, first joining us as a volunteer. Over the years, her passion for animal care, and unexpected love for birds, especially turkeys has truly blossomed. Her journey from bonding with our beloved turkey Hercules to hatching two new additions, Ares and Zeus, is a heartwarming example of the dedication and love our team brings to the farm every day.

Here, Holly shares her personal story of how two tiny eggs became the future of our turkey family.

‘I never knew I loved birds (especially turkeys) until I started working at Aldingbourne Farm back in 2021. I began as a volunteer and quickly formed a bond with our resident male turkey, Hercules. He was a real gentleman who loved raisins and made it his duty to herd the chickens into the coop at bedtime. He also had a cheeky side - if any of the farm team were having a chat nearby, he’d quietly sneak up behind us and listen in. I’m convinced he shared the gossip with the rest of the birds!

Later, Hercules found love with a turkey named Athena, but heartbreakingly, she passed away at just two years old due to an unexpected infection. Thankfully, we were donated another female turkey named Hera. As time went on, Hercules grew old and eventually passed away peacefully in his sleep in January 2025. Hera was left alone as the only turkey on the farm.

We knew she needed a new companion, ideally close to her age, but we couldn’t find any local male turkeys in need of a home. So, I made the decision to try hatching some turkey eggs myself! I didn’t want to replace Hercules as he’ll always have a special place in my heart - so I chose a different breed called Cröllwitzers.

I ordered four fertile eggs from eBay and began the 28-day incubation process. To my surprise, Zeus hatched early on Monday 5th May, followed by Ares on Tuesday 6th May. Sadly, one egg wasn’t viable and another hadn’t developed, but two out of four was incredible for my first time hatching any kind of egg!

We had hoped for at least one male to keep Hera company - and we got our wish. Just a few days after hatching, Ares started strutting his stuff at Zeus, and she was happy to let him. Cheeky! Watching them grow has been a joy, and I can’t wait to see them thrive on the farm. Come Meet Ares and Zeus!’

Ares and Zeus are now part of our Open Farm family here at the Aldingbourne Country Centre. They’re settling in beautifully, and they’d love to meet you! Visit our Open Farm to say hello, learn about our feathered friends, and experience the heartwarming stories that make our farm so special.

We are open every day, 10am - 4pm
Aldingbourne Country Centre, PO18 0JP
aldingbournecountrycentre.org