How many times a year will they make babies? (pics)

[KathyP]

I am the proud owner of the most handsome

(he was in full molt) and sweetest Narragansett tom turkey on planet earth. This April, I "studded" him out to mate with my friend's Royal Palm hen and together they raised a clutch of babies, which have since gone back to my friend.

However, because the mating was such a smashing success, the hen's owner is letting her stay with us to do it all over again.

My question is, will she lay a clutch again this year or will she wait until next spring?

The babies left in the beginning of July and the hen has not shown any signs of wanting to mate or lay any eggs, despite near-hourly advances by the Tom to get busy.

 

[QuailKeeper]

HEY!!! That's supposed to be a turkey's private moment! jk. i think she should lay every year as far as i know

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

She might give you one more clutch here in sept or so ?? But it is getting late in the season to do so. Usually they will lay 2 clutches a year one in spring and one in late summer.

 

[KathyP]

Thank you all for the insight! It was an absolute blast to watch and document the whole "baby" thing. Here's hoping both parents stay healthy and happy and do it all over again in the future!

 

[Whispering Winds]

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I thought

the looks on

their face said the same thing!!!!!!

 

[toredano]

You would like it either at sexy time if someone would shove a camera in your face...

sheeshh.. no privacy.

That look on her face..

Did you at least look away a moment ?

 

[KathyP]

Oh, I got some sexy time of my own. Toby LOVES the camera...the more lights on him, the better!

The only one not happy with it was the hen...she's such a prude.

I just adore that silly "little" bird. He even comes inside once in a while to entertain me.
Toby's very own page

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Now that's funny there. I don't care who you are !!

 

[chickenannie]

My hens lay eggs all summer long, into fall -- but much slower after that first spring rush.

However, it looks like your tom is molting... does anyone know if tom's are fertile while they're molting? Mine just gets lazy and lies around for a month or so. He doesn't even bother displaying or strutting anymore.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

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