Is my turkey hen going to start laying soon?

[Prince and Pavo]

Hi everybody, this is my first time raising turkeys so I don’t really know what physical signs or behavioral cues I should be looking for when it comes to hens beginning to lay eggs.

I have four females and one male. They are all Royal Palms and are 9 months old now. My jake has begun to mate with at least one of the jennies, and she seems more submissive and occasionally sits on the ground with her head pointed down when he comes near, allowing him to mount her.

I know that in chickens, squatting is often a sign that a hen will soon begin laying eggs, and I’m wondering if my turkey’s behavior is the same thing? What signs should I be watching for that might mean she could begin laying soon?

 

[R2elk]

Hi everybody, this is my first time raising turkeys so I don’t really know what physical signs or behavioral cues I should be looking for when it comes to hens beginning to lay eggs.

I have four females and one male. They are all Royal Palms and are 9 months old now. My jake has begun to mate with at least one of the jennies, and she seems more submissive and occasionally sits on the ground with her head pointed down when he comes near, allowing him to mount her.

I know that in chickens, squatting is often a sign that a hen will soon begin laying eggs, and I’m wondering if my turkey’s behavior is the same thing? What signs should I be watching for that might mean she could begin laying soon?

Turkeys can start breeding a month to 6 weeks before the hens start laying.

How far north you are will have an effect on when your hens start laying. The earliest mine start is March 15.

 

[Prince and Pavo]

Turkeys can start breeding a month to 6 weeks before the hens start laying.

How far north you are will have an effect on when your hens start laying. The earliest mine start is March 15.

I’m in Phoenix, Arizona, so would that mean they could start even earlier than the 15th?

 

[R2elk]

I’m in Phoenix, Arizona, so would that mean they could start even earlier than the 15th?

Yes