The Presidential Turkey Pardon

Although live Thanksgiving turkeys were occasionally presented to presidents as far back as the Lincoln administration, the current ceremony dates to 1947, when the first National Thanksgiving Turkey was presented to President Harry Truman.

Approximately 30 turkeys are removed from a normal commercial production flock and are raised separately, using the same techniques as given to other birds — a diet of corn and soybean meal and a continuous supply of fresh water.

Preparing the birds for the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation requires a few minor modifications. To acclimate them to the Rose Garden ceremony, the birds are periodically hand-fed and receive additional interaction with people.

Two turkeys are selected for the ceremony (an alternate is chosen in case the National Thanksgiving Turkey becomes ill or otherwise cannot participate) within two or three days of the presentation.

The National Turkey Federation provides six pairs of names for the birds, and the American public votes for the winning pair of names.