HELP!! Broody Turkey Hen

[chicklove13]

Hi!!! I've never hatched my own chicks before. I have some questions. My turkey hen has gone Broody. She is sitting on 3 chicken eggs and 4 goose eggs. Today is Day 14. She picked a spot right in the middle of the chicken shed. We have one Adult turkey and 30 adult chickens. I'm worried when they chicks hatch the other hens will kill the babies. I tried to move her to another shed all by herself but she freaked out and wouldn't sit on her eggs. I put her back and she's been sitting on them since. Should I leave her there and just take the babies from her when they hatch? I also read I should have moved her and her eggs in the dark after everyone has gone to bed. So I could try that again. but I also don't want to disturb the eggs this late in the cycle. In the second shed I have three week old turkeys that I bought from the feed store. Do you think I should put the broody turkey and her eggs in with these new baby turkeys? Im also concerned with the fact that the chicken eggs will hatch at 21 days and the goose eggs will hatch at 35 days. I need some advice! Thank you so much in advance!!!

 

[sourland]

Take the chicks away immediately after they hatch or the turkey hen will leave the nest with them while the goose eggs need another week of incubation.

 

[chicklove13]

Thank you so much for responding. Once the goose eggs hatch could I put them all back together (the broody turkey, chicks and goslings) with the 4 turkey poults that are currently 3 weeks old?

 

[sourland]

You can try it - she may or may not accept that motley crew.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice from Sourland already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

With staggered hatches, the youngest babies can be injured or bullied by the older one who will be larger & heavier.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!