Questions about bourbon reds?

[Huntmaster]

I have only 3 eggs laid so far here in Northern Ohio, and I have approximately 40 or so hens.

 

[Luckyhen006]

Ooooooh... That makes me feel a little better!

 

[Huntmaster]

In a lot of areas normal turkey egg laying starts in March usually mid to late March. So, you should be looking for them anytime now. Have you seen signs of breeding?

 

[Luckyhen006]

No, not really that's why I'm so concerned...

I mean, now excuse my Newbie-ness, this is coming from a girl who mostly has experience with chickens and ducks, but normally when any of our (chicken) hens have mated the rooster their necks will look a bit pecked at.
Is that the same with Turkey's or no?

 

[Huntmaster]

No, not really that's why I'm so concerned...

I mean, now excuse my Newbie-ness, this is coming from a girl who mostly has experience with chickens and ducks, but normally when any of our (chicken) hens have mated the rooster their necks will look a bit pecked at.
Is that the same with Turkey's or no?

Not really unless they are being over breed, they don't grab neck like chickens and ducks. You may only see some ruffled/muddied feathers on their backs along with a few feathers on ground in breeding area sometimes.

 

[Luckyhen006]

Hmmm, well I'm stumped then
Are there any other signs I should know of?

 

[Huntmaster]

Your hens will get into a squatting submissive position. That allows male to walk up on back other than those signs and others mentioned not much else other than catching in the act.

 

[Luckyhen006]

Your hens will get into a squatting submissive position. That allows male to walk up on back other than those signs not much else other than catching in the act.

Well then, I guess I just need to look harder and keep waiting! Cuz I haven't seen any of that yet. Man, it sure does take some patience!!

 

[Huntmaster]

Are you planning on incubating or trying to let your hens go broody and hatch?

 

[Luckyhen006]

I was planning on incubating,

Are you planning on incubating or trying to let your hens go broody and hatch?