Turkeys For 2013

[Celie]

Does anyone have hens that are still laying eggs?

Not here, thank God! Up to 2 weeks ago I was still getting 1 to 3 a day, dwindling down, molting went full speed and they finally shut down for the season!

 

[kuntrygirl]

I counted my remaining BR turkeys and I have way too many toms. I thought I had taken care of that problem but I guess not. I'm down to 19 adult turkeys and I have 7 toms and 12 hens. Tom overkill. They have got to go!!! :/

 

[kuntrygirl]

Does anyone have hens that are still laying eggs?

Not here, thank God! Up to 2 weeks ago I was still getting 1 to 3 a day, dwindling down, molting went full speed and they finally shut down for the season!

Well, I thought that I was done too UNTIL I found a crap load of turkey eggs in the goat's house. I almost died. I thought that were done but they were hiding from me.

 

[NewToFarming]

How old are hens when they start to lay?

 

[Celie]

I counted my remaining BR turkeys and I have way too many toms. I thought I had taken care of that problem but I guess not. I'm down to 19 adult turkeys and I have 7 toms and 12 hens. Tom overkill. They have got to go!!!

It looks like somebody's gonna have a freezer full of turkey for the winter!

 

[chicken pickin]

How old are hens when they start to lay?

Turkey Hens will usually start to lay eggs their first Spring, not neccesarily by age.

 

[Celie]

How old are hens when they start to lay?

It depends on the breed and location. BB hybrids are sexually mature at around 6 months. Heritage turkeys, 8 to 9 months, depending on the breed and location, will start laying the season after reaching maturity, but sometimes you can get a few the end of their first season. In the deep South, where I live the season is longer than up North. Here they start in December, or 8 to 9 months whichever is later and up north a lot of areas not till March or April after 8 to 9 months old.

 

[NewToFarming]

It depends on the breed and location. BB hybrids are sexually mature at around 6 months. Heritage turkeys, 8 to 9 months, depending on the breed and location, will start laying the season after reaching maturity, but sometimes you can get a few the end of their first season. In the deep South, where I live the season is longer than up North. Here they start in December, or 8 to 9 months whichever is later and up north a lot of areas not till March or April after 8 to 9 months old.

Thank you. I just got 3 Narraganset youngsters this weekend and they are about 4 months old so it sounds like sometime in the spring then I should start looking, that is if I have any hens! I am brand new to turkeys so I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I am loving them already!

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I grew up in NE with lots of snow and 4 seasons, anything else seems totally bizzare to me. Not saying it is, rather it is to ME. THe lemonade sounds good though!

Quote: Well, I thought that I was done too UNTIL I found a crap load of turkey eggs in the goat's house. I almost died. I thought that were done but they were hiding from me.

I found a crap load under a horse trailer. CHicken eggs.

Quote: No experience necessary to join in! I have 2 narrigansett toms. Handsome boys.

 

[Celie]

Thank you. I just got 3 Narraganset youngsters this weekend and they are about 4 months old so it sounds like sometime in the spring then I should start looking, that is if I have any hens! I am brand new to turkeys so I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I am loving them already!

I don't mind at all. We are all here sharing information and learning together. That's what makes it fun!