Wild turkeys are prominent across North America, known for their appearance and behaviors. Understanding their reproductive cycles, especially egg-laying, is fundamental to their biology and population survival. Nesting is vital for the propagation of these birds.
How Many Eggs Wild Turkeys Lay
A wild turkey hen typically lays a clutch of 8 to 15 eggs. While the range can be 4 to 17, common clutch sizes are 9 to 13. The hen lays approximately one egg per day, or every 24 to 32 hours, until the clutch is complete.
Several factors influence the number of eggs a wild turkey hen lays. The hen’s age plays a role; first-time layers or yearling hens might produce fewer eggs than older, more experienced hens. Nutritional status and physical condition are also important, as a hen needs good health for nesting.
Environmental conditions, such as habitat quality and weather, also affect clutch size. Severe weather can impact a hen’s ability to forage and maintain physical reserves. If an initial nest fails due to predation or disturbance, she may attempt to re-nest, but these subsequent clutches are smaller.
The Wild Turkey Nesting Process
Wild turkey hens carefully select nesting sites, prioritizing concealment and protection. Nests are shallow depressions scraped into the ground, often hidden beneath dense vegetation, fallen logs, or at the base of trees. The hen uses natural materials, such as leaves and twigs, to line and camouflage the nest, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the surroundings.
Nest sites are chosen near forest openings, field edges, or along roads, providing cover and access to feeding areas. Once laying begins, the hen visits the nest daily to deposit one egg until the full clutch is complete. She does not begin continuous incubation until all eggs are laid, which helps ensure poults hatch around the same time.
Incubation is performed solely by the hen and lasts for approximately 28 days, though this period can range from 25 to 31 days. During this time, the hen remains on the nest almost constantly, leaving only briefly to feed and drink. Her camouflaged plumage helps her blend into the environment, offering protection from predators. Once hatched, the young turkeys, known as poults, are precocial and capable of leaving the nest within 12 to 24 hours.