OK, folks. Let’s talk turkey. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, many people have plans to sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For most, that means turkey. As I was thinking about turkey (as I so often do), I had a startling realization. I have no idea what a turkey egg looks like. Article continues below advertisement
I mean, turkeys are birds. Obviously. So they lay eggs. But what do those eggs look like? And where are they? I don’t know about you, but I have certainly never seen a turkey egg in a grocery store. And so, I set out to discover the answer to what is maybe the most bizarre question I’ve ever asked myself: What do turkey eggs look like?
As spring arrives and turkeys begin their mating and nesting rituals a common question arises what do wild turkey eggs look like? With their impressive size iridescent feathers, and distinct gobbling calls, wild turkeys are a fascinating sight. But less is known about their eggs, which play a vital role in propagating the species. Read on as I provide a comprehensive overview of wild turkey egg anatomy, including appearance, size, color, and more.
A Smooth, Matte Finish
The first distinguishing feature of a wild turkey egg is its smooth shell Unlike domesticated chicken eggs, turkey eggs lack a glossy sheen Their surface has a matte finish, almost chalky in texture. This unique quality provides an elegant, understated beauty to the eggs. When spotted among the leaf litter of the forest floor, their subtle matte shells enable camouflage while incubating.
Impressive Dimensions
In addition to their distinctive texture, wild turkey eggs are noticeably larger than typical chicken eggs. They range in size from about 2 to 2.7 inches long, compared to a large chicken egg which measures around 2.13 inches. Turkey eggs also weigh more, between 66 to 110 grams depending on the size of the hen. So if you encountered one, you’d immediately notice its impressive dimensions.
Varied Colors with Speckles
Wild turkey egg shells exhibit a diverse palette of base colors. Shades range from pale yellowish-tan to creamy white. Overlaid on these hues are lovely speckles in reddish-brown or light pink. The speckles vary in density between eggs, making each one truly unique. These colors provide natural camouflage to protect the vulnerable eggs when nesting on the forest floor.
Clutch of 10 to 12 Eggs
A wild turkey hen lays a clutch of 10 to 12 eggs during her breeding season, with one egg produced daily. Interestingly, there is usually a one day gap between the first and second egg. The hen meticulously sits on her eggs for about 28 days until they hatch. This dedication and time investment underscores the precious value of each egg to the continuation of the wild turkey population.
Well-Developed Poults
When the eggs finally do hatch after 28 days of incubation, the poults (baby turkeys) emerge well-developed and ready to thrive. They are covered in tawny, brown, pinkish, and gray down which helps regulate their body temperature. This down also provides camouflage from potential predators as the poults follow their mother on the perilous first days after hatching. Their early mobility improves chances of survival.
Ground Nesting Sites
Wild turkey hens choose nesting sites on the ground very selectively, typically concealing their eggs at the base of mature trees or amid dense underbrush. The shade and protection offered at ground level provides safety while the hen incubates her eggs. Her cryptic plumage blends seamlessly with the foliage.
High Mortality Rate
Due to their ground nesting habits, wild turkey eggs and poults experience heavy predation. Many eggs are lost to raccoons, foxes, skunks, ravens, and other opportunistic egg thieves. The first two weeks of life are the most dangerous for poults, as they cannot fly to escape. These threats make the eggs extremely precious for preserving wild turkey populations.
What do turkey eggs look like?
In this, the age of the Google search, it wasn’t difficult to find an answer to my question. As it turns out, turkey eggs look a lot like, you know, eggs. They are slightly larger than chicken eggs and typically have brown speckles. Check out the picture above so you, too, can know what a turkey egg looks like.
According to Modern Farmer, the shells of turkey eggs are slightly tougher than the shells of chicken eggs. The membrane between the egg and the shell is also a bit thicker. On average, a turkey egg is between 2 and 2.7 inches long and can weigh between 66 grams and 110 grams. So, that answers my first question. I think we can all agree the next question is obvious.Article continues below advertisement
Can you eat turkey eggs?
Yes! You can eat turkey eggs! You can use them instead of chicken eggs for baking, too. In most cases, you can substitute two turkey eggs for three chicken eggs. They reportedly taste very similar to chicken eggs. Which, now that I think about it, isn’t that surprising. What else would they possibly taste like?
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!
FAQ
Where do wild turkeys lay their eggs?
How do you identify a turkey egg?
How big is a wild turkey egg?
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Clutch Size:
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4-17 eggs
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Number of Broods:
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1 brood
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Egg Length:
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1.9-2.7 in (4.9-6.9 cm)
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Egg Width:
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1.6-1.9 in (4.1-4.7 cm)
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Incubation Period:
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25-31 days
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Do wild turkey hens sit on their eggs at night?