Poults hatching

[emptynesterMom]

This is the first time I have hatched poults with a broody turkey. I started to hear peeping Sunday evening, so I know some of them have hatched. She has been very protective since I moved her to the brooder box and other than an early candeling to check for developement, I have left her alone. Should I continue to leave her be or should I move her to evaluate the chicks and remove any remaining eggs? Mind you my normally placid white holland hen thinks I'm Satan incarnate after her babies and to say she will be stressed is putting it mildly. I have been leaning toward leaving her alone as I am afraid she will stomp on chicks or viable eggs trying to get me to leave. thanks

 

[FarmTillURdead]

Eggs need to stay in the same position for the last 3 days so the chick can get into position to peck out of it's shell. She may be trying to keep you out to keep the eggs from being disturbed so they can do this. She has done pretty good getting the chicks this far. I think it would be safe to say she won't step on them. She cares - or she wouldn't be trying to bite the hand that feeds her. I'd let her have them - let her see what happens - and if she crushes them or hurts one then you will know to take the eggs next season... but if you take them now you will never know if she is able to do it on her own and you will have to go through this decision again next year.
Hope that helps! Don't panic if you moved the eggs. I find turkeys a bit tougher than chickens.

 

[TammyP]

Just wondering how things went and the results? Got any pics?

~Tammy

 

[kuntrygirl]

Just wondering how things went and the results?  Got any pics? 

~Tammy

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