Turkey eggs are quite a bit larger than the chicken eggs that most of us are accustomed to finding in our refrigerators and local grocery stores But just how much bigger are they? Let’s take a closer look at the size of turkey eggs compared to other types of eggs from common backyard poultry
Typical Dimensions of Various Eggs
To understand the size of a turkey egg, it helps to first look at the typical length and diameter of eggs from other birds:
- Large Hen Egg: 62mm long, 43mm diameter
- Duck Egg: 65mm long, 44mm diameter
- Large Duck Egg: 70mm long, 47mm diameter
- Turkey Egg: 65mm long, 44mm diameter
As you can see, the turkey egg is very similar in size to a duck egg, averaging around 65mm long and 44mm in diameter. This makes them significantly larger than chicken eggs.
In fact, turkey eggs are often 50-100% larger than large hen eggs in terms of total mass. A large chicken egg may weigh 50 grams whereas a turkey egg can range from 65 up to 115 grams.
Why Are Turkey Eggs So Large?
The main reason turkey eggs are so much larger than chicken eggs simply comes down to the size difference between the two species of birds.
Turkeys are considerably larger in physical size compared to chickens. Just looking at the difference between a fully grown male turkey (tom) versus a rooster makes this size disparity apparent.
Since turkeys are bigger birds, it makes sense that they would lay proportionally bigger eggs. The ostrich egg takes this concept to the extreme, with ostrich eggs weighing a whopping 1,000-1,700 grams each!
Shape and Color of Turkey Eggs
In addition to being larger than chicken eggs, turkey eggs can differ in shape and color:
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Shape: Turkey eggs tend to have more pointed ends compared to the rounded ends of chicken eggs.
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Color: Turkey eggs can range from white to light brown or even speckled. Chicken eggs most commonly have white or brown shells.
So the shape and color of turkey eggs can provide subtle visual clues that you’re looking at something different than the typical white or brown chicken egg.
Nutritional Comparison Between Turkey and Chicken Eggs
Given their larger size, it’s not surprising that turkey eggs provide more calories and nutrients than chicken eggs:
- Calories: 135 calories in a turkey egg vs 72 in a large chicken egg
- Protein: 11 grams vs 6 grams
- Fat: 9 grams vs 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 933mg vs 372mg
However, when comparing equal weights of turkey and chicken eggs, their overall nutritional profiles are quite similar. The extra calories and nutrients in turkey eggs can be attributed to their greater total mass rather than any inherent difference between the two.
Using Turkey Eggs in Cooking and Baking
From a culinary perspective, turkey eggs can be used in place of chicken eggs in any recipe. Their color, richness, and mild flavor when cooked make them a seamless substitution.
The main difference will be the greater total volume contributed by the larger turkey egg. For example, if a baking recipe calls for two large chicken eggs, using two turkey eggs will add more liquid to the batter. Adjusting the other wet or dry ingredients may be needed to achieve the proper consistency.
Other than some minor volume adjustments, cooks should feel confident using turkey eggs for omelets, baking, and other egg-based dishes.
Availability and Cost of Turkey Eggs
One reason most people don’t encounter turkey eggs on a regular basis is that they aren’t mass-produced and sold like chicken eggs. Turkeys in commercial production are raised primarily for their meat rather than eggs.
Backyard turkey owners may find their hens produce more eggs than they can use. In these cases, turkey eggs can sometimes be purchased at local farmers markets or through direct farm purchases. But they are not readily found in supermarkets.
The relative rarity of turkey eggs also makes them more expensive, often exceeding $2 per egg. So turkey eggs are more of a specialty food item versus an everyday staple.
Hatching Turkey Poults from Fertile Eggs
Turkey eggs can be fertilized and incubated just like chicken eggs, resulting in the hatching of adorable turkey poults (baby turkeys).
The incubation period is around 28 days, with the poults requiring extra care and protection for the first few weeks of life compared to young chicks.
In Summary
When you come across a turkey egg, prepare to be impressed by its sizable heft and distinctive speckled shell. While these eggs may not be commonplace, their impressive dimensions provide an interesting glimpse into the proportions of our largest domesticated fowl.
Next time you’re collecting eggs from the coop, keep an eye out for any mammoth turkey varieties lurking behind the familiar chicken offerings. You may just luck into one of these dinosaur-like treasures!
Why Don’t We Eat Turkey Eggs!
FAQ
What is the average size of a turkey egg?
What do turkey eggs look like?
How big is a turkey egg compared to a duck egg?
How often do turkeys lay eggs?
What does a turkey egg look like?
Turkey eggshells can be white, cream-colored, brown, or speckled. One aspect that differentiates these eggs is the nutritional breakdown. A turkey egg provides almost double the calories, protein, and fat as a chicken egg, partly due to its larger size.
Is it safe to have two A size eggs?
For a healthy adult with normal cholesterol levels and no significant underlying heart disease risk factors, most studies suggests that 1 or 2 eggs per day can be safe.
How big is a turkey egg compared to a chicken egg?
Whereas a chicken egg weighs about 50 grams, a turkey egg can range from about 65 to 115 grams but is typically similar in size to the size of duck eggs. When it comes to taste, it’s generally agreed that these two types of eggs taste about the same, although turkey eggs are often described as being creamier.
How many eggs does a turkey lay a year?
Unless you know someone who raises their own turkeys, turkey eggs are extremely difficult to find. The reason for that comes down to economics, which in turn is a function of the turkey’s fertility cycle. For starters, turkeys lay up to 100 eggs per year, compared to up to 350 chicken eggs laid per year for top egg-laying chickens.