No, he just thought it was 'better'. Here's what he had to say on the subject: "For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."
now, was that before or after the lightning experiment I recall that, thanks for the humbling reminder