Hatching Turkeys... crash course...

[Mycookoonest]

I've hatched Chicks but what do I need to know about Turkeys?

I know 28 days, but are they the same temp, humidity, and I still move them over 3 days before hatch day?

These eggs are coming from ebay so I'm not all too confident in them even hatching.

When do veins appear? I would assume later than chickens...

Will my normal egg turner work?

 

[hinkjc]

Good idea to have low expectations. Turkey eggs do not typically ship well at all..much worse than chicken eggs, regardless of the seller or where you get them.

28 days is right. Stop turning on day 25. Temp & humidity are the same as chicken eggs (I do not recommend using dry incubation for turkeys).

Veins appear similar to chicken eggs. Depending on the darkness and thickness of the shells, you can sometimes see them as early as 7 days. I usually don't candle ours until day 14 though to be sure what you are seeing.

What kind of bator/turner are you using? Hova? If so, I have found you have to place the eggs in every other cup. This will depend on the size of the eggs.

Jody

 

[CindyS]

I don't reccomend a turner if you are using still air. Turkey eggs are so long and pointy the egg is much cooler at the bottom than at the top where temps are measured. Its hard to get an even internal temperature, (which is what is important)

 

[hinkjc]

Agree, it really is not recommended to use turners for turkey eggs. Don't know why, but some claim they hatch better if hand turned. It may have something to do with the temp..good point Cindy.

Jody

 

[2manyhats]

I had a really tough hatch on turkeys and wish that I had known they were hard to hatch if shipped. 4/20 hatched and 2/4 survived. I have lowered my expectations now and may try it again. I was soooo upset with the bad hatch. Can't wait to be able to hatch my own eggs.

 

[Mycookoonest]

Good news!!! A fellow BYC member (Thanks Chris) met me and gave me 6 Mixed Turkey eggs... they are beautiful! I put them in my *Uh-hum* retired bator for the season, and I've been checking the temps to make sure I don't hard boil them...

My Hubby thinks I've gone bird crazy! He can't call me the crazy Chicken lady anymore if they hatch.

He'll probably just call me crazy!

They fit in the turner, but I did space them out and have the temp up to 102 on thermometer on top of the eggs. I just get so nervous with the temp being that high and getting a spike.

 

[sweetshoplady]

How often do you turn them? If hand turning?

 

[SterlingAcres]

Good luck!! I want turkey eggs so bad... LOL