Since springtime for hunters signifies the start of the “turkey year,” let’s follow turkey activity from spring to fall.
By the time the spring turkey hunting season begins on April 15, the breeding season’s peak has already passed. Toms will breed with multiple hens throughout the spring and early summer. When the eggs hatch, the hen will construct a ground nest near an excellent brood habitat—typically, an opening in the forest canopy—and in an area with adequate cover.
A hen will begin laying when she is about 24 to 32 hours old, and it will take her two weeks to lay a full clutch of nine to thirteen eggs. The hen will concentrate on eating and gaining weight in order to survive the impending incubation period in between laying eggs.
After all of the eggs are laid, the hen will spend roughly 28 days incubating them day and night. Incubation is interrupted only for an occasional mid-day snack of protein-rich insects.
Poults, or newly hatched chicks, can walk shortly after hatching and typically depart the nest in 12 to 24 hours. After eight to 14 days, young poults can fly short distances and start roosting in trees.
A hen doesn’t need to rebreed if she loses a clutch soon after laying because the sperm from the first mating can survive for up to 30 days. When a newly hatched brood of turkeys appears in late August or early September, hunters may assume that this is the hen’s second or third clutch. In fact, it’s more likely the hen has lost a brood and simply re-nested.
The biggest threat to a young turkey’s survival is within its first 10 days of life. If their down gets wet from rain, hypothermia is likely. Additionally, bobcats, coyotes, skunks, raccoons, ravens, crows, hawks, and even stray cats can prey on them.
A Deep Dive into the World of Turkey Eggs
Have you ever wondered why turkey eggs aren’t as readily available as chicken eggs? While we happily gobble up turkey meat during Thanksgiving and other festive occasions, the thought of eating a turkey egg might seem strange. But why is that?
In this article we’ll delve into the fascinating world of turkey eggs, exploring the reasons behind their scarcity and why they haven’t become a staple in our kitchens.
The Delicious Mystery of Turkey Eggs
Believe it or not, turkey eggs are perfectly edible and, according to those who have tried them, taste remarkably similar to chicken eggs. They’re slightly larger, with a tougher shell and a thicker membrane, but the overall flavor profile is quite comparable
So, if they taste good and are readily available (thanks to the abundance of turkeys raised in the US), why aren’t they more popular?
Unveiling the Reasons Behind the Scarcity
Several factors contribute to the limited availability of turkey eggs:
- Laying Frequency: Unlike chickens, which lay an egg almost every day, turkeys are much less prolific. They typically lay only two eggs per week, making them less commercially viable.
- Cost of Production: Raising turkeys is more expensive than raising chickens. They require more space, food, and longer growth periods before they start laying eggs. This translates to higher production costs, making turkey eggs less competitive in the market.
- Breeding Focus: The primary focus in turkey production is on meat, not eggs. This means that breeding practices prioritize traits that enhance meat production, not egg-laying capabilities.
The Economics of Turkey Eggs
The higher cost of production and lower laying frequency ultimately make turkey eggs more expensive than chicken eggs. While a dozen chicken eggs can be purchased for a couple of dollars, a single turkey egg can cost around $3. This price difference makes them less appealing to consumers who are accustomed to the affordability of chicken eggs.
Beyond the Price Tag: Other Considerations
Apart from the economic factors, other considerations contribute to the limited popularity of turkey eggs:
- Availability: Turkey eggs are not readily available in most grocery stores, making them less accessible to consumers.
- Unfamiliarity: Many people are simply unaware that turkey eggs are edible, leading to a lack of demand.
A Glimpse into the Future of Turkey Eggs
Despite the current challenges, there’s a growing interest in exploring the potential of turkey eggs. Some small-scale farmers and chefs are experimenting with using them in their dishes, highlighting their unique flavor and culinary possibilities.
As awareness and demand increase, it’s possible that turkey eggs might find their way into mainstream markets in the future. However, overcoming the economic and logistical hurdles remains a significant challenge.
While turkey eggs may not be a common sight on our breakfast tables yet, they offer an intriguing culinary adventure for those willing to explore beyond the realm of chicken eggs. Their unique flavor and potential versatility in the kitchen make them a fascinating ingredient worth considering.
Who knows, maybe one day turkey eggs will become the next big thing in the world of gourmet cuisine. Until then, they remain a delicious mystery waiting to be discovered by adventurous foodies.
Winter flocks and migration
As summer progresses, hens and their growing poults will join other hens and poults. At the same time, mature toms form bachelor flocks, often of like ages. By winter, turkey flocks may grow to 200 or more birds.
Turkeys in low elevation habitats, like valley floors, don’t need to migrate when winter weather arrives because the winters there are generally mild. Turkeys will, however, migrate between lower and higher elevations as the weather varies in the spring and fall, especially at higher elevations where severe weather can endanger birds. This is especially true in parts of central and eastern Oregon.
Prolonged winter storms are the leading cause of mortality for adult turkeys, as the crusted ice prevents them from finding food. However, turkeys are resilient animals that can spend several days in a tree, losing a significant amount of body fat while still surviving.
Toms can live up to five years under ideal circumstances (though they usually live two or three), and hens can live six to eight years. An eight-year-old hen is rare, however, and comparable to a 100-year-old person.