Line a 13 x 18-inch (33 x 46 cm) baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 36 candy corn pieces into 12 groups of three, with the pointed ends touching and the wide ends fanning outward; keep the pan at room temperature while you prepare the coating.

Place the remaining 12 candy corn pieces on a cutting board and carefully cut off a small triangular section from the pointed end of each one. Set the 12 small triangles aside for the beaks; they’re tiny, so keep them together near your work area.

Place the 10 ounces (283 g) of candy melts in the 2-cup (475 ml) microwave-safe glass. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir thoroughly, then continue heating at 50% power in 15- to 30-second intervals for about 1 to 2 minutes more, stirring after each interval, until almost completely melted; stir until smooth with no firm pieces remaining.

Dip the top 2½ to 3 inches (6 to 8 cm) of one pretzel rod into the warm melted coating, turning it to cover all sides. Lift it out and gently tap the rod against the side of the glass for 5 to 10 seconds, until the coating looks smooth and excess coating has dripped away.

Lay the coated end of the pretzel over the pointed ends of one three-piece candy corn fan, pressing very lightly so all three pieces touch the wet coating. Keep the pretzel flat on the parchment; it’s fine if a little coating spreads underneath.

While the coating is still wet, press two candy eyes near the upper part of the coated pretzel and place one small candy corn triangle directly below them for the beak. Hold each piece in place for 1 to 2 seconds if it begins to slide, then repeat the dipping and decorating process with the remaining pretzels.

Leave all 12 turkey pretzel rods undisturbed at room temperature for about 20 minutes, or until the coating looks dry and feels firm when lightly touched near the edge. If your kitchen is warm and the coating remains soft, refrigerate the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, just until firm.

Gently lift each turkey pretzel rod from the parchment once the coating is completely firm. If a feather feels loose, use a small dab of remelted candy coating to attach it and let it set for about 5 minutes before serving.