It's hardly surprising the unfortunate turkeys in your article responded significantly to a recording of the dawn chorus of wild birds (The Argus, December 9).

This is something they will never see or sense, imprisoned for life in a shed under harsh artificial light.

If the National Farmers' Union really wanted happy turkeys it would end these unnatural lighting regimes and give the birds access to an acre of scrub to poke about in.

Your report seemed to expect us to be surprised that a turkey should have any sense.

But the notion that other species lack feeling and awareness went out in the 19th Century and was never supported by any scientific evidence.

It may be uncomfortable for us but we have to face up to it and change farming methods accordingly.

-Nicholas Newell, Cranbrook, Kent