Homesteading is hard... my poor turkey hen

[turkey girl 0964]

Update: I candled on of her eggs because I was getting worried that they were all dead, when I saw an internal pip! YAYAYAY! They should hatch any day now!

 

[BlueBaby]

Update: I candled on of her eggs because I was getting worried that they were all dead, when I saw an internal pip! YAYAYAY! They should hatch any day now!

That's great, I'm happy for you!

 

[turkey girl 0964]

That's great, I'm happy for you!

Thanks! I will keep you guys updated.

 

[Forfeathers]

Today we found some devastating news... I went outside to the turkey coop to check on our turkey hen that is broody, she is on day 26 and had 13 eggs, when I saw a trail of red fire ants leading under her...I lifted her up to find 2 dead poults still mostly in their shell squished. We looked around and found the other egg about 20 feet from the nest half eaten. Dolly Pardon ( the turkey hen) looked kind of anxious and some of her feather on the legs and tail were torn out. I think it was some sort of mice or rat... she would never do something like this...We are so dissapionted that this happened so close to the hatch day.What does it sound like to you? Predator or the hen? I hope the rest of them make it! HELP US!! What should we do? Move her to a totally enclosed area or keep her in the nest?? Please reply! Thanks! @R2elk @Bigtom Turkey @Ridgerunner @Kiki @HeatherKellyB @Overo Mare @MissE @Chiknoodle @cmobley @CHlCKEN @RosemaryDuck @JacinLarkwell

Sounds like a larger predator like a weasel or raccoon, I caught a stoat in a live trap after it had killed one of my favorite polish ripped her head off and I never found it or any blood, just her body

 

[turkey girl 0964]

Sounds like a larger predator like a weasel or raccoon, I caught a stoat in a live trap

I didn't see any signs of a large predator, and the turkey hen had no blood on her. We also have 2 very large muscular cats that live on our property so they probably would have killed a large animal like that. So we are thinking it must have been a snake that came through during the day when the cats are sleeping in the garage. I have caught 5 mice in the traps already.

 

[BlueBaby]

I didn't see any signs of a large predator, and the turkey hen had no blood on her. We also have 2 very large muscular cats that live on our property so they probably would have killed a large animal like that. So we are thinking it must have been a snake that came through during the day when the cats are sleeping in the garage. I have caught 5 mice in the traps already.

Yes, having any rodent's around will draw in the snakes. I'm glad that you were able to trap some, and hope that you will be able to get rid of them all.

 

[swimmy44]

Why would mice bother a large bird her? A rat maybe but it would not crush the eggs. I suspect it was a small predator that she may have scared off - esp since she lost feathers and is nervous. Can you take the eggs and incubate for the remaining time? Or move the whole next and Mom into a quiet area and hope she continues to set. If she’s a heritage breed she will likely finish the job.

 

[Silky45]

Today we found some devastating news... I went outside to the turkey coop to check on our turkey hen that is broody, she is on day 26 and had 13 eggs, when I saw a trail of red fire ants leading under her...I lifted her up to find 2 dead poults still mostly in their shell squished. We looked around and found the other egg about 20 feet from the nest half eaten. Dolly Pardon ( the turkey hen) looked kind of anxious and some of her feather on the legs and tail were torn out. I think it was some sort of mice or rat... she would never do something like this...We are so dissapionted that this happened so close to the hatch day.What does it sound like to you? Predator or the hen? I hope the rest of them make it! HELP US!! What should we do? Move her to a totally enclosed area or keep her in the nest?? Please reply! Thanks! @R2elk @Bigtom Turkey @Ridgerunner @Kiki @HeatherKellyB @Overo Mare @MissE @Chiknoodle @cmobley @CHlCKEN @RosemaryDuck @JacinLarkwell

I would move her and the rest of the eggs to a secure area. Maybe invest in a dog crate. I purchased one from petco and I have used it for several purposes already. The crate is a must have .

 

[izzy434]

Thank you for replying. I thought we should do that. There are baby chicks in the garage so the sound of them might agitate her.. maybe? We have never had a broody this close to hatching eggs so I am up for any suggestions.

I would definitely bring everyone, mom and eggs and/or babies inside. I always bring my broody hens inside, that way I can keep a close eye on them, and don't have to worry about something dreadful happening. I have had chicks drown trying to get water, and other hens attacking the babies. It also gives mom less anxiety which helps babies grow up feeling safe and secure. Less fear is always better for everyone. Just my opinion.

 

[Rooster Giddens]

Today we found some devastating news... I went outside to the turkey coop to check on our turkey hen that is broody, she is on day 26 and had 13 eggs, when I saw a trail of red fire ants leading under her...I lifted her up to find 2 dead poults still mostly in their shell squished. We looked around and found the other egg about 20 feet from the nest half eaten. Dolly Pardon ( the turkey hen) looked kind of anxious and some of her feather on the legs and tail were torn out. I think it was some sort of mice or rat... she would never do something like this...We are so dissapionted that this happened so close to the hatch day.What does it sound like to you? Predator or the hen? I hope the rest of them make it! HELP US!! What should we do? Move her to a totally enclosed area or keep her in the nest?? Please reply! Thanks! @R2elk @Bigtom Turkey @Ridgerunner @Kiki @HeatherKellyB @Overo Mare @MissE @Chiknoodle @cmobley @CHlCKEN @RosemaryDuck @JacinLarkwell