Incubating and hatching turkey eggs at home can be an extremely rewarding experience There’s something special about watching new life emerge from an egg you’ve nurtured. However, in order to have success incubating turkey eggs, you need to understand the proper incubation temperature.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Incubating Turkey Eggs?
The optimum incubation temperature for turkey eggs is 37.5°C or 99.5°F. This temperature needs to be maintained consistently throughout the incubation period for the best results. Even small fluctuations above or below the ideal temperature can negatively impact the development of the embryos.
Why is Temperature So Important for Turkey Egg Incubation?
Temperature is the most critical factor in successfully incubating turkey eggs. Turkey embryos develop best when the temperature is kept as close to 37.5°C/99.5°F as possible. Here’s why temperature matters so much:
- Turkey embryos cannot properly regulate their own body temperature until late in development. They rely on the external temperature of the incubator.
- Temperatures above or below the optimum range will speed up or slow down the embryo’s metabolism This can lead to developmental issues
- High temperatures can overheat the embryo, while low temperatures may chill the embryo. Both scenarios can be fatal.
- Fluctuating temperatures force the embryo to constantly adjust its metabolic rate. These adjustments are stressful and can impact survival.
By maintaining a stable 37.5°C/99.5°F, you allow the turkey embryos to develop at the ideal rate for healthy hatchlings. Even a degree or two above or below the optimum can have consequences.
How to Achieve the Proper Turkey Egg Incubation Temperature
Achieving the ideal 99.5°F temperature for turkey eggs requires an incubator with effective thermostatic control. There are a few incubator options:
Still-air incubators – These inexpensive units have no fan and rely on passive air circulation. The temperature gradient may be uneven. Requires frequent monitoring.
Forced-air incubators – Fans circulate heated air to maintain an even temperature throughout. Forced-air units better regulate temps.
Automatic turning incubators – These incubators have automatic egg turners and fans for temperature regulation. Takes the work out of turning eggs.
Here are some tips for achieving proper temperature in your turkey egg incubator:
- Place the incubator away from windows, vents, doors or other sources of temperature fluctuations.
- Run the incubator for 24 hours before adding eggs to stabilize temperatures.
- Always start eggs in a pre-heated incubator set at 99.5°F.
- Use a separate thermometer to double-check incubator temperature. Digital thermometers provide the best accuracy.
- Monitor temperatures closely for the first 24 hours of incubation. Make adjustments if the temperature is off.
- Open the incubator as little as possible to maintain stable air temperature.
- Add or remove water from incubator reservoirs carefully to fine tune humidity without impacting temperatures.
- Only make minor temperature adjustments at one time. Allow at least 6 hours for the incubator to stabilize before making additional changes.
What Happens if the Temperature is Too High or Too Low?
Incubating turkey eggs at temperatures outside of the optimum 99.5°F range can have the following consequences:
Effects of Temperatures Above 99.5°F:
- Increased embryonic metabolism, leading to faster development
- Overheating and death of embryos
- Dehydration of embryos due to increased moisture loss
- Higher instances of deformities and health issues in hatchlings
- Lower hatch rates overall
Effects of Temperatures Below 99.5°F:
- Slower embryonic metabolism, leading to delayed development
- Chilling of embryos, resulting in death
- Higher rates of embryo mortality in first 7 days of incubation
- Delayed hatching and weaker poults
- Possible incomplete incubation with embryos failing to pip shells
- Reduced hatch rates
Maintaining proper turkey egg incubation temperature is crucial for optimizing hatch rates and poult survival. Always do your best to stabilize the incubator at 99.5°F before starting. Monitor your incubator temperatures closely and make adjustments promptly if the temperature drifts too high or too low. With good temperature control, you’ll be rewarded with healthy turkey hatchlings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Egg Incubation Temperatures
1. Should I decrease the temperature for hatching turkey eggs?
No, there is no need to reduce the incubation temperature for turkey eggs at the end of incubation. Leave the temperature at the optimum 99.5°F throughout the entire 28 day incubation period.
2. How often should I check the incubator temperature?
Check your incubator temperatures at least 2-3 times per day minimum, and more frequently at the start of incubation. Monitoring temperatures closely is key, especially in the first week.
3. My incubator runs hot. Can I incubate turkey eggs at 100°F or higher?
It’s best to avoid incubating turkey eggs at sustained temperatures of 100°F or above. High temperatures put embryos at risk and reduce hatch rates. If your incubator runs hot, it likely needs servicing or replacement.
4. What temperature should I use if I’m incubating turkey eggs naturally?
Turkey hens regulate incubation temperature instinctively between 99-102°F. Allow the broody hen to choose her nest site to maximize natural incubation success.
5. Do turkey egg incubation temperatures vary by breed?
There are no significant differences in incubation temperature requirements between turkey breeds. All domestic turkey eggs should be incubated as close to 99.5°F as possible.
Conclusion
Incubating and hatching turkey eggs requires maintaining a consistent temperature of 37.5°C or 99.5°F for optimal results. Even slight deviations from the ideal can put embryos at risk. Invest in a quality incubator, monitor temperatures routinely, and make prompt adjustments to keep turkey eggs developing at just the right warmth. Your diligence will pay off when you welcome healthy turkey hatchlings at the end of incubation.
