Turkeys about breeding time

[baymule]

Chickens really are the ultimate small farm animal. They are easy to raise, easy to house, give eggs and meat and will even raise their own replacements. What's not to love about a chicken?

I think it's great they way you two are scheduling the turkey eggs and working this out. Wonderful of you to share @CrealCritter

 

[NH Homesteader]

There's a lot not to love about a chicken. I hate chickens. Like my turkeys soooo much better!

 

[baymule]

There's a lot not to love about a chicken. I hate chickens. Like my turkeys soooo much better!

Yeah, but you have MEAN chickens!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

True dat!

 

[milkmansdaughter]

How long are the eggs viable before they are put in an incubator or under a broody hen? I didn't realise they could be shipped as eggs. That's really cool. My husband has been "talking turkey" almost since we moved here, but wants to add some this year. We'll probably be adding some this spring too.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Still no eggs here

 

[CrealCritter]

How long are the eggs viable before they are put in an incubator or under a broody hen? I didn't realise they could be shipped as eggs. That's really cool. My husband has been "talking turkey" almost since we moved here, but wants to add some this year. We'll probably be adding some this spring too.

Everything I've read says turkey eggs are viable for 5 days.

 

[sumi]

How long does it take them to lay a clutch, before brooding? 5 days sound too short a time. Chicken eggs I know stay viable for 3 weeks +, though after 2 weeks hatchability drop significantly.

 

[CrealCritter]

Well I now have 5 turkey eggs under one of my older broody Buff Orpengton hens. 2 eggs Friday, 1 egg Sunday, 2 eggs today Monday. I've completely switched out chicken eggs for turkey eggs so all she's sitting on are turkey eggs and she's none the wiser.
Hopefully there will be more eggs tomorrow. Turkey eggs are quite a bit larger than chicken eggs - I think about 9 eggs is all the hen could sit on to be honest.

 

[CrealCritter]

How long does it take them to lay a clutch, before brooding? 5 days sound too short a time. Chicken eggs I know stay viable for 3 weeks +, though after 2 weeks hatchability drop significantly.

I would say from start to finish it's at least a good 30 days before they start sitting. I mean turkey eggs could be viable longer than the 5 days like I've read. I'm just a Padawan book learner who likes to raise and eat turkey I'm sure we got some turkey Jedi roaming about that could chime in. Just no [strike]trolls [/strike] sith ok?