Turkey supply lower than normal for Thanksgiving following bird flu outbreak this year, farmers say

DUNDEE TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WLS) -- It's just about turkey time, and while some birds in the Chicago area are mostly all spoken for, there are still plenty available. You just have to know where to look.

Their days may be numbered, but the turkeys in the field at All Grass Farms in Dundee enjoyed a beautiful fall day Friday, blissfully unaware of what their future holds. The organic turkeys also enjoy a great diet, and they are in high demand.

"We do open fresh turkey orders in June, so by September we are usually sold out," said Anna Lipinska with All Grass Farms.

It's just about time for the all natural, fresh Turkeys to start showing up in retail stores, like the Butcher on the Block in Lake in the Hills, where they have also been taking orders for months. They will have some available, but they may cost up to 25% more this year thanks to the bird flu.

"You have less birds and a shorter amount of time to grow, and therefore our prices have increased," said Brynn Zimmerman with Butcher on the Block. "However, there's still fresh turkeys, and we're still able to supply great deals."

Butcher on the Block sells fresh turkeys straight from the Harrison's Poultry in Glenview. They are seeing the impact of the bird flu up close. Kyle Zimmerman with Harrison's Poultry says this is the smallest turkey flock in 40 years.

"Supply is definitely down," Kyle Zimmerman said. "This isn't some scare tactic on the news. It's real. The farmers are feeling it."

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That's why numerous charitable efforts are underway to provide turkeys to needy families.

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable organization is assembling baskets of love again this year in the suburbs.

In the West Loop, the owners of La Scarola restaurant are giving away 100 turkeys.

"People are having a rough time right now, all over," said Armando Vasquez with La Scarola. "If I'm able to put a little smile, that's good enough for me."

Their giveaway will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Nov 25. at 721 W. Grand Ave.

The birds in Dundee are between 3 and 4 months old, but they have a life expectancy of about another week and a half, just before Thanksgiving.