When do turkeys usually start mating behavior?

[Celie]

My first turkey poult for this season, hatched today, 2 more are piping and 50 more hatching in the incubator. I don't think they are all fertile, as the hens started mating before the toms got their pecking order figured out. I have 14 toms and 13 hens, but some are too young yet and I need to separate most of the toms, so they will be ready to harvest in the spring, keeping only the 2 best toms and a spare, for breeding.

 

[ProfTi]

Geez! I thought mine were the only crazy ones. They were spring hatches, been working on mating behavior a couple of months. We got our first egg on Christmas. I am glad I am not alone. I am going to incubate them....I just can't stand the idea of losing babies.

 

[ProfTi]

What breed?

 

[Celie]

I have Holland Whites and I kinda remember it being Feb. last year when they started laying? Maybe it a sign we're in for a warmer than usual winter? Or I'm just crazy for incubating eggs this early? LOL

 

[sashacat]

We are in Wisconsin, so It will be cold for a couple of months yet. However, I think I have a new home for one of the toms. The "real" house for them is not finished yet, but I guess they are at least safe where they are. I made saddles for the ladies and will move them back with Mr. Handsome as soon as I get rid of the extra tom. If I start getting eggs I may incubate a few early ones. We shall see. and like I said "Guys!"

 

[chicken pickin]

Hmm Ive been reading alot of people recently saying their turkeys are mating and laying eggs early this year. Has me very nervous now because I have 3 Toms and 2 Hens and I was thinking I had a little more time to get a second turkey house/pen for the extra toms. Im guessing that need to be my next project soon. This is my first year with turkeys and I dont know how hard they will be on the hens.

 

[sonew123]

Hmm Ive been reading alot of people recently saying their turkeys are mating and laying eggs early this year. Has me very nervous now because I have 3 Toms and 2 Hens and I was thinking I had a little more time to get a second turkey house/pen for the extra toms. Im guessing that need to be my next project soon. This is my first year with turkeys and I dont know how hard they will be on the hens.

Very hard! My 1 pair...he tore her up! Blood everywhere..had to use my daughters shirts on the hen to help...3 toms is too many;( Im sorry...

 

[chicken pickin]

Very hard! My 1 pair...he tore her up! Blood everywhere..had to use my daughters shirts on the hen to help...3 toms is too many;( Im sorry...

Thanks. I will start working on a seperate pen for the extra toms this weekend. Any idea when I should expect mating?...If they arent already. They are about 6 1/2 months, they hatched June 26 2012.

 

[Arielle]

You all are mentioning the hens at work a little early this year . . .

One of my hens had made a little nest yesterday, and I made a point of checking it late in the day for an egg but she clearly had abandoned the nest earlier and it wasn't the nice neat divit anymore. Well walked over.

I was disappointed. I so wanted to see the first egg of the season.

 

[sonew123]

Thanks. I will start working on a seperate pen for the extra toms this weekend. Any idea when I should expect mating?...If they arent already. They are about 6 1/2 months, they hatched June 26 2012.

I bet the toms are trying and you havent noticed it yet...lol...