When do turkeys start laying eggs? If you’re considering adding turkeys to your hobby farm, this is a common question.
Heritage Turkeys and Egg Production
For hobby farmers deciding between industrial and heritage turkeys, understanding the differences is key—especially if egg production is part of your plan. Heritage turkeys are prized for their natural breeding abilities, longer lifespans, and steady egg-laying over several years. In contrast, industrial turkeys are bred mainly for meat and have limited or no egg production capabilities. This guide will help you explore when turkeys start laying eggs and why heritage breeds might be the better choice for your farm.
Questions and Answers from an Expert
Frank Reese is a poultry expert and the maintainer of the last American Poultry Association-certified hatchery in the United States. He is one of our country’s (if not the world’s) most knowledgeable experts on raising turkeys for meat and eggs. He has spent his career traveling across America and rescuing rare flocks of turkeys and chickens for which no succession plan existed. He’s kept many breeds from being eliminated.
Frank was so kind to answer some basic questions on the topic of raising turkeys for eggs. If you’re curious about when turkeys start laying eggs and how to manage them for egg production, this guide with expert insights will help you get started.
Questions and Answers from an Expert
What is the difference between a heritage turkey and an industrial turkey?
Heritage turkeys can still naturally mate, are capable of nesting, will live 10 to 15 years and grow at a normal rate. They can run, jump and fly.
Industrial turkeys can no longer breed on their own; they must be artificially inseminated, and they live less than two years. Industrial turkeys become obese and can barely walk.
Do turkeys make a good addition to the homestead?
Heritage turkeys have been part of American farm life for over 250 years. They’re a true American domestic farm species. Native to the Americas.
When do turkeys start laying eggs? What age and what time of year?
Turkeys start laying between 7 to 10 months of age. It is very dependent upon where you live. Turkeys need longer days of sunlight and days above freezing in order to keep laying. In Kansas, they start laying most years in March and continue until August.
How many eggs do they lay per year?
Most hens will lay 30 to 60 eggs in a season, some up to 80 eggs. You must gather turkey eggs daily to keep them actively laying.
How many years do heritage turkeys lay eggs for?
If you manage your hens well, they should keep laying for up to seven or eight years.
Nutritionally, are turkey eggs better than chicken eggs – how do they compare?
Turkey eggs are just like chicken eggs in taste, texture and nutrition. The only difference is that a turkey egg is almost twice the size of a chicken egg. The flavor is mild and can be used just like chicken eggs.
In your opinion, are turkeys worth adding to the homestead for egg production?
If you’re going to keep turkeys for egg production, then decide what your market is. It does cost more to produce a turkey egg, and you do get fewer seasonally than chicken eggs. Find your market: poults, fertile eggs and eating eggs, or all the above.
If someone were going to add heritage turkeys to their farm for egg production, which breeds would you recommend?
It is not the breed variety but the breeder behind the variety you choose. No matter which variety you choose, it will be no better than the breeder behind the line. The color of feathers makes no difference in meat or egg production. A lot of people think dark feathers mean heritage and white means modern, but this is not true – white feathered turkeys have been around for 100’s of years. The difference is the old type conformation of the bird. Get to know the breeder or history of the line you choose.
When Do Turkeys Start Laying Eggs: Final Thoughts
Adding heritage turkeys to your hobby farm can be a rewarding choice, especially if you value natural breeding and sustainable egg production. While they may lay fewer eggs than chickens, their hardiness and longevity make them a unique and valuable addition. By understanding when turkeys start laying eggs and how to care for them properly, you can enjoy fresh turkey eggs for years to come—and help preserve these important breeds for future generations.
This story about when to turkeys start laying eggs was written for Hobby Farms and Chickens magazines. Click here to subscribe.
