From mating to active poults, turkeys have a carefully timed reproductive process.
Key Stages:
1️⃣Courtship & Mating– During spring, toms display feathers to attract hens; mating ensures fertilization.
2️⃣Egg Formation – Female produces yolks in the ovary; eggs form as they travel through the oviduct.
3️⃣Nesting– Hen builds a nest on the ground with leaves, grass, and twigs; lays 8–15 eggs.
4️⃣Incubation – Hen keeps eggs warm for ~28 days, turning them regularly for proper development.
5️⃣Hatching– Chicks (poults) use an egg tooth to break the shell and become active within hours.
6️⃣Feeding & Care – Mother provides warmth, clean water, and high-protein diet; teaches poults to feed and stay safe.
Key Insights
🔹Incubation period is ~28 days; temperature must remain 99–100°F (37.2–37.8°C) for first-week poults.
🔹Brooder care ensures a clean, draft-free environment for healthy growth.
🔹 Turkeys reach breeding age at 6–8 months, completing their life cycle.
💡Takeaway: Proper nesting, incubation, and maternal care ensure healthy poults ready to thrive in the wild!
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