We all know and love chicken eggs, but have you ever wondered about turkey eggs? They’re actually edible and taste pretty similar to their chicken counterparts, with a slightly larger size and tougher shell. So why don’t we see them in grocery stores?
The answer lies in a combination of factors:
1. Laying Frequency: Turkeys lay much less frequently than chickens. While a chicken lays about one egg per day, a turkey lays only two per week at most. This makes them less commercially viable.
2. Cost of Production: Turkeys are more expensive to raise than chickens requiring more space and food. Additionally, they take longer to start laying eggs reaching maturity at around 7 months compared to a chicken’s 5 months. This adds to the production cost.
3. Value of Fertilized Eggs: Turkey eggs are more valuable for breeding than for consumption. A fertilized egg can be used to produce more turkeys, making it more profitable for farmers to focus on breeding rather than selling eggs.
4. Price: Due to their scarcity and higher production costs, turkey eggs are significantly more expensive than chicken eggs, usually around $3 per egg. This makes them less appealing to consumers who can buy a dozen chicken eggs for the same price.
So, how often do turkeys lay eggs?
While the average is two eggs per week, the actual frequency can vary depending on factors like breed, age, and health. Some turkeys, especially those raised in backyard settings with good care, may lay one egg per day.
turkey eggs are edible and can be a delicious alternative to chicken eggs. However, their lower laying frequency, higher production costs, and higher price make them less commercially viable and less common in grocery stores. If you’re curious to try one, you might have better luck finding them at farmers’ markets or directly from turkey farmers.
What time of year do turkeys lay eggs and will they lay eggs year around?
Turkeys are generally seasonal layers, beginning in the spring around April. But some people have found that their birds don’t always fit this mold and begin laying earlier.
They will lay for longer if their eggs are collected daily and they are not permitted to build a nest.
You can find a lot of articles here on A Life of Heritage that will teach you a lot about poultry and be sure to check out CHICKEN RICH: Profitable Poultry Binder–It’s FULL of to-do lists, checklists, record keeping sheets, and resource pages that will keep your flock healthy and YOU organized!
Hens will make a small indentation or bowl by scratching out a spot where they can bend over and lay an egg. She will typically pick a spot where she can be protected from predators by an overhang or thick undergrowth. She can see her surroundings while staying hidden from danger.
When to Collect Turkey Eggs, and When to Hatch Them Out
FAQ
How many times can a turkey lay eggs in a year?
What month do turkeys lay eggs?
Can turkey eggs hatch without a male?
Do domestic turkeys lay eggs everyday?