Yes, turkeys do lay eggs, just like chickens and other birds. However, they don’t lay them nearly as frequently. Whether in the wild or on farms, female turkeys—called hens—have specific nesting seasons and habits. In this guide, we’ll explore when and how turkeys lay eggs, how many they produce, and what makes their nesting process unique.
When Do Turkeys Start Laying Eggs?
Female turkeys usually begin laying eggs in the spring, between March and May, depending on their region and the weather. The process begins when the hen reaches reproductive maturity, usually around 7 to 8 months of age in domestic birds and about 2 years old in wild hens.
They are seasonal layers, meaning they don’t lay all year long. Their natural cycle is triggered by longer daylight hours in spring and early summer.
How Often Do Turkeys Lay Eggs?
Unlike chickens that lay almost daily, turkeys lay eggs less frequently. A hen typically lays about 2 to 3 eggs per week during the active season. This is especially true for wild turkeys, which are not bred for egg production.
Domesticated breeds like the Broad Breasted White or heritage turkeys may lay more consistently, but even then, they won’t match the egg output of a chicken.
How Many Eggs Do Turkeys Lay?
The number of eggs a turkey lays depends on whether she is nesting or laying freely on a farm. Here’s what you can expect:
- Wild turkeys: Lay 8 to 14 eggs per clutch during the nesting season
- Domestic turkeys: Can lay 60 to 100 eggs per year depending on the breed
Wild turkeys lay a single clutch each season. Domestic hens, however, may continue laying over a longer period if they are not allowed to brood (sit and incubate the eggs).
What Do Turkey Eggs Look Like?
Turkey eggs are larger than chicken eggs and have a distinctive appearance. They are usually:
- Color: Creamy or off-white with light brown speckles
- Size: About 2.5 inches long, larger than a chicken egg
- Shell: Thick and strong, with a slightly rough texture
They are completely edible and have a richer flavor compared to chicken eggs, though they’re rarely found in stores due to lower production rates.
Where Do Turkeys Lay Eggs?
In the Wild
Wild turkey hens lay their eggs on the ground, in shallow nests hidden in tall grass, underbrush, or at the base of trees. The hen will line the nest with leaves, grass, and feathers to insulate the eggs.
On Farms
Domesticated turkeys prefer to lay eggs in secluded nest boxes or corners of a barn. Farmers often provide clean, quiet, and dimly lit areas to encourage egg-laying and prevent stress in the birds.
Turkey Incubation and Hatching
Once a wild turkey lays a full clutch, she’ll start incubating them. The incubation period is about 28 days. During this time, the hen rarely leaves the nest, only doing so briefly to feed and drink.
Key facts about incubation:
- Only the hen incubates the eggs—male turkeys (toms) do not help
- All eggs usually hatch within 24 hours of each other
- The poults (baby turkeys) are able to walk and follow the hen within hours
Do Turkeys Lay Unfertilized Eggs?
Yes. Like chickens, turkey hens can lay eggs without mating. However, those eggs will not hatch because they are unfertilized. This is common in domestic flocks where males are not always present. These eggs are often collected for consumption or sale.
Can You Eat Turkey Eggs?
Absolutely. Turkey eggs are safe and nutritious to eat. They’re high in protein and have a slightly creamier texture than chicken eggs. However, they’re not commonly found in grocery stores due to:
- Low laying frequency
- Higher value of turkeys for meat production
- Higher feed-to-egg cost ratio
On small farms or homesteads, you might find turkey eggs used for baking, cooking, or specialty dishes.
Common Questions About Turkey Egg Laying
How long does it take a turkey to lay a full clutch?
Turkeys lay one egg per day until the clutch is complete, typically over 10 to 14 days. Once the last egg is laid, the hen starts incubation.
Do turkeys lay eggs all year round?
No. Turkeys are seasonal layers and only produce eggs in spring and early summer, especially in wild populations.
Can you raise turkeys just for eggs?
You can, but it’s not common. Because turkeys lay fewer eggs than chickens and require more space and feed, they are not typically used for egg production alone.
Conclusion: Yes, Turkeys Do Lay Eggs
To answer it simply—yes, turkeys lay eggs. They just don’t lay as often as chickens. Whether in the wild or on a farm, turkey hens produce eggs during the spring and early summer, laying a clutch for hatching or producing eggs for consumption. Though not as commonly used for eggs as chickens, turkeys offer a fascinating look into bird reproduction and seasonal behaviors.
Want to learn more about turkey behavior and raising turkeys? Keep exploring our complete guides to farming and wildlife!