Turkeys are ground-nesting birds whose reproductive success depends on selecting appropriate nesting sites and effective egg-laying and incubation strategies. These behaviors are primarily driven by the need to protect their offspring.
Ideal Nesting Environments
Wild turkeys carefully select nesting sites offering concealment from predators and access to resources. They prefer dense cover like thickets, brush piles, or areas with tall grasses and fallen logs, which camouflages the nest.
Nests are often situated near forest edges, in clearings, or within open woodlands. This proximity allows hens to view their surroundings while benefiting from protective cover. Good drainage and protection from elements also contribute to egg safety. Nearby food and water sources are considered, minimizing the hen’s time away from the nest.
Constructing the Nest and Laying Eggs
A turkey nest is simple, reflecting the bird’s ground-nesting habits. The hen creates a shallow depression by scratching and squatting. This depression is sparsely lined with natural materials like dead leaves, twigs, or grasses, aiding camouflage. Nests usually measure about 1 inch deep, 8 to 11 inches wide, and 9 to 13 inches long.
Once the nest is prepared, the hen begins laying her clutch of eggs. A hen typically lays one egg per day, and a full clutch can range from 4 to 17 eggs, though commonly it is between 9 and 13. The entire egg-laying process for a full clutch can take approximately two weeks. Hens generally do not begin continuous incubation until the entire clutch has been laid, which ensures that all the poults hatch at roughly the same time.
Characteristics of Turkey Eggs
Turkey eggs possess distinct features that contribute to their camouflage and survival in the wild. They are larger than chicken eggs, typically measuring between 1.9 to 2.7 inches in length and 1.6 to 1.9 inches in width. The average weight of a turkey egg can range from 66 to over 110 grams.
The coloration of turkey eggs usually ranges from creamy, tan, or buff, often with brown or reddish-brown speckles or spots. Specific color and speckle number can vary by hen. These markings blend the eggs into the nest’s natural surroundings, making them less visible to predators. The eggshells are hard and thick.
Protection and Incubation
The hen assumes sole responsibility for incubating the eggs and protecting the nest. The incubation period for turkey eggs typically lasts around 28 days, though it can range from 25 to 31 days. During this time, the hen remains on the nest day and night, leaving only for brief periods to feed, drink, and defecate, sometimes remaining on the nest for several consecutive days.
The hen’s camouflage and stillness on the nest are her primary defense mechanisms against predators. When she leaves the nest, she may cover the eggs with leaves or other material to further conceal them. Despite these efforts, ground nests are vulnerable to various predators, including raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and snakes. Nest success rates can be low, with only 10 to 40 percent of nests successfully hatching.