Eggs in the rain

[Nagogx]

Hi. Well, our turkey hen has been laying some eggs in basically a shallow she made in the earth next to a fence with just a couple of bits of timber leaning against it. Now it's cold and raining as we are in early spring here in New Zealand. Im worried about the eggs being wet and thinking about moving them to a more sheltered area nearby. Would this be advisable? I don't want the eggs ruined or to spook the bird too much by interfering.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Turkeys generally do lay right on the ground, and under cover if possible. Rain won't hurt them as long as the eggs aren't sitting in water. If you move them she won't move with them, she will just make a nest elsewhere. Some will continue to lay in the same area for a while longer, before switching. Not every turkey hen goes broody. Some lay clutches and than ignore them.

You can collect them and replace them with fake eggs until you see her starting to set, than give them back. You will need to store them correctly for best fertility.