Turkeys are large birds native to North America that are a popular choice for domestication and farming. Female turkeys, called hens, lay eggs that must be incubated for a period of time before baby turkeys (called poults) hatch out. But exactly how long does it take for a turkey egg to hatch? Here’s a look at the turkey hatching process and timeline.
Turkey Egg Incubation Period
The incubation period for turkey eggs is 28 days. This is how long the eggs must be kept warm and turned regularly before the poults inside are ready to hatch. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during those 28 days:
- Days 1-7: The embryo begins developing inside the egg. Blood vessels and organs like the heart begin to form.
- Days 8-14: The embryo grows more distinct body parts like legs, wings, and eyes.
- Days 15-21: Feathers start to form on the embryo. The hatchling moves into hatching position.
- Days 22-28: The poult prepares to hatch by pecking at the inside of the egg. On day 28, it will peck its way out.
So in summary, it takes the full 28 days of incubating and turning the turkey’s eggs before they are ready to successfully hatch.
Turkey Egg Hatching Stages
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly happens inside those turkey eggs over the 28 day incubation period:
1. Early Development (Days 1-17)
For the first week and a half, the tiny turkey embryo begins developing inside the egg. The embryo forms from the fertilized blastodyst attached to the yolk. An amniotic sac also surrounds the embryo to protect it as it grows. The cardiovascular system, limbs, skeleton, nervous system, and organs start to take shape.
2. Growth (Days 18-25)
In the second half of incubation, the nearly fully formed poult continues to grow inside the egg. The legs, wings, feathers, and beak become much more defined. The yolk sac starts to shrink as the poult relies more on its own cardiovascular system. Enzymes develop that will help the hatchling digest food after hatching. The poult often begins vocalizing and moving around inside the egg at this point.
3. Hatching (Days 26-28)
In the last few days, an egg tooth forms on the poult’s beak which it will use to peck a hole in the shell. The hatchling wiggles around to get into the proper hatching position – with its head tucked under its wing pointing toward the tapered end of the egg. Using its egg tooth and strong neck muscles, the poult pecks a hole in the shell and continues chipping away until it can break free. This can take many hours of vigorous work! Finally, a wet, exhausted – but healthy – baby turkey emerges.
Turkey Egg Hatching Requirements
In order for turkey eggs to properly incubate and hatch after 28 days, very specific conditions are required:
Temperature
Turkey eggs must be kept at a temperature of 99.5-100°F throughout the full incubation period. This is best achieved using an incubator. Lower temperatures can cause deformities or developmental issues. If the temperature gets too high, the embryos could die. A hydrometer is needed to monitor the incubator’s temperature and humidity.
Humidity
The incubator should maintain a relative humidity level of around 60% until the last few days of incubation. High humidity prevents the egg from drying out. Then in the hatching stage, lower the humidity to around 50% to help the poult hatch. Use a wet sponge or water channels in the incubator to control moisture levels.
Ventilation
Proper air circulation is crucial so the incubating eggs have enough oxygen and don’t get too hot. Use an incubator with vents on the top and bottom or sides. Open vents further as hatching approaches to increase airflow.
Turning
Turn the eggs at least 3 times per day during the first 25 days. This prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell and promotes proper growth. Stop turning eggs for the last 2-3 days so the poult can get into hatching position.
Sanitation
Disinfect the incubator and all tools before placing eggs inside. Wash hands thoroughly before handling. Don’t open the incubator too often once eggs are inside since temperature and humidity will fluctuate.
How to Tell if Turkey Eggs Are Fertile
Since not every egg may get fertilized, it’s useful to know how to tell if a turkey egg is fertile before placing it in the incubator. Here are a few ways to check fertility:
- Candling: Shine a bright light through the egg after 1 week of incubation. If there’s an embryo, you will see veins and a dark spot.
- Float testing: Drop the egg in a bowl of water. Fertile eggs will lie flat. Infertile eggs will float.
- Listen: After 25 days of incubating, you may hear peeping sounds coming from fertile eggs.
Troubleshooting Turkey Egg Hatching Problems
Even with good incubation conditions, issues can sometimes occur that prevent successful hatching. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
No hatch by day 30
- Increase humidity levels in the incubator
- Gently assist hatching by peeling back a bit of shell
- Contact a vet to check for embryonic abnormalities
Pipping but no further progress
- Increase ventilation by opening incubator vents
- Carefully help make the hole bigger using sterile tweezers
- Boost humidity to soften up the shell
Malformed hatchlings
- Review your temperature regulation
- Ensure eggs were turned regularly
- Check breeder flock health status
Making adjustments to your incubation conditions and troubleshooting promptly can often result in a healthy hatch. Contact a professional if fertility issues persist.
Raising Turkey Poults after Hatching
Once the turkey poults have hatched after 28 days of incubation, they are ready to be moved to a brooder environment. Here they are kept warm, safe, and well-fed in their critical early weeks of life.
Providing Heat
Newly hatched poults can’t regulate their body temperature. Use a heat lamp or brooder plate set to 95°F for the first week, lowered by 5°F each week. Provide space away from direct heat.
Bedding and Space
Line the brooder with 2-3 inches of soft bedding like pine shavings. Allow 1 square foot per poult. Expand space as they grow. Add roosts by 4 weeks.
Nutrition and Water
Supply starter feed formulated for poults along with clean water. Use chick feeders and waterers for the first month before switching to adult turkey equipment.
Health and Safety
Keep the brooder clean and dry. Look for pasty vents, leg issues, or lethargy indicating illness. Review vaccines with your veterinarian. Predator-proof outdoor areas.
Turkey Poult Developmental Milestones
In those critical first weeks after hatching, turkey poults will rapidly grow and develop. Here’s what to expect as they mature:
| Age | Developmental Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1-7 days | Feeding on own, active, begin standing |
| 2 weeks | Wing feathers emerge |
| 3 weeks | Begin litter training |
| 4 weeks | Feathers on chest/back, start perching |
| 8 weeks | Fully feathered, ready for outdoors |
With attentive care in those first couple months, turkey poults can grow into hardy, healthy adult turkeys ready for life on the homestead or farm.
Conclusion
Incubating and hatching turkey eggs requires close attention to details like temperature, humidity, ventilation, and sanitation throughout the 28 day process. Turkey poults pip through their shells after receiving proper embryonic development during incubation. Newly hatched turkeys need special care for warmth, food, and protection for several weeks to grow. With good incubation conditions and brooding practices, turkey eggs can successfully hatch and be raised into robust adults ready for production.
