How old does a turkey hen need to be to collect incubating eggs?

[Arielle]

I've read some conflicting ages on how old a hen needs to be to use as a breeder hen. Is it 6 months, 9 months, or over a year old?

Does it depend on the time of year born or the breed? Looking for narrigansetts and Bourbon Reds, if that helps.


Thank you.

 

[Frosty]

While there are exceptions, normally the hens start laying the spring after they hatch. Even the late hatches start in the spring so any of the ages you mentioned could be right.

 

[Arielle]

Very interesting! THanks Frosty!

While there are exceptions, normally the hens start laying the spring after they hatch. Even the late hatches start in the spring so any of the ages you mentioned could be right.​

 

[Delaney Birds]

Wow I wondered that too. thank you for the information