3 quick whacks plus 3 or 4 single whacks of ones highest zone is quite in the realm of possibility of getting the 200 Turkeys. I already have 75. I have noticed a great increase of Mana in the Crypt squares, and that really increases my available Energy.

just north of the harbor... the balloon is the door way.

Have you gone to the Pilgrim outside the School and actually started the Thanksgiving Quests? I'm pretty sure that you will never see a Turkey until you are doing the Quest, just like you will never see an Adamantium unlesss you are doing that Quest...

the turkey follows you. It came up in one room just as I went through to another room, and it was there in the second room. That does help.

It almost tells you it's Energy used (based on your max). Be efficient and find your number, me at Max with 1540 Energy Max (and 6 more every 2.5 minutes increase so that 2.25 times a day) and Value 18 Bushes is between 20 and 21 Bushes of 17&18. Yours will be different but within the realm of your own possibility.
And as I said, be efficient, use Mana and quick whacks without wasting any extra bushes, and immediately get the Turkey when you see it. And do use a Mana sword to help you get much more whacking ability.
The Developers also say it's almost easy for anyone to get all 200, you have to play as often as you can, not lose any Energy by letting it get to Max, and play for the week+ more that this Event is still going on for.
But if you can't get 200 then you can't, it shouldn't b e automatic for everyone to get everything every time, you have to earn it.

got my last turkey last night. I counted about 21 23 whacks for the turkey to show up. I lucked out, had 3 great fruit wins, ended up with 9,408, also went up a level.

up to 140 turkeys and almost done

The creator of the game told us why right here in one of these threads.
And no, absolutely none of the Events was ever over as soon as you get what is required, it ends on a very specific time, do you know where to look for that time?

@Michelle - I counted between 30-40 whacks per Turkey spawn. I noticed this when I was doing the quests for crabs & crows. I collected all my turkeys in about 4 days.