According to TopEndSports.com, the term originated in the late 1800's when scoring three strikes in a row was much more difficult than it is now. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, bowling alley proprietors would award a turkey for bowlers who scored three strikes in a row.

In the old days of bowling, scores were lower and strikes did not happen as often as they do now. In the old days, during the holidays, the proprietor of a bowling center would present a live turkey to the first person on a team to bowl three consecutive strikes.

you get a turkey (real) after 3 strikes in a row.. I could use one right now.. I'm hungry