In breeding turkeys, it is important to determine when the females begin to lay eggs. With this information, the breeder will be able to properly organize the care of the bird during the hatching period and prepare in advance for the appearance of turkey poults.
At what age do they start
Turkeys reach sexual maturity at 7–9 months. depending on breed features. The light type bird begins to produce egg products at 7–7.5 months, large individuals - at 8–9 months. How much the bird begins to lay its eggs also depends on the line. Early maturity is transmitted genetically through the paternal line.
Most domestic breeds begin to rush, reaching the age of 8 months. As soon as the bird has sat down to hatch turkey poultry, oviposition is maintained for another 2-3 days. Products taken during this period are taken from the nest.
The stage of egg laying in a turkey begins in the first decade of March and lasts until April. At industrial poultry farms, the period of egg production is prolonged artificially, additionally adding light. Under natural conditions, masonry begins when daylight hours last 10 hours. In order to increase productivity, it is extended to 13-14 hours. Extend daylight hours begin to males and females who have reached the age of 8 months.
Important! An artificial increase in daylight before turkeys reach puberty is fraught with a decrease in productivity in the future.
How often
Turkeys rush in spring and autumn. Oviposition lasts for 2-3 weeks. Poultry incubation occurs in the spring. Autumn eggs rarely incubate and provided that the breeder is able to provide the bird with full care.
How many eggs does a turkey bear
Egg production rates depend on:
- the size of the bird;
- genetics;
- age
- breeds;
- feed quality;
- conditions of detention.
In different breeds, egg production varies over a wide range and amounts to 118–220 pcs / year. The average turkey egg weighs 80 g.How many years are rushing
The highest rates of egg productivity are observed in the first year of life. From 2 years they are reduced by 40%, from 3 - by 60%. The bird is kept for breeding for 3 years, then sent for slaughter. The most productive individuals are selected for egg production in the first 1.5 months. from the beginning of the masonry.
Can rush without a turkey
The turkey even without the presence of a male in the herd begins to rush in due time. Such products are especially valuable for gourmets.
In the period from the beginning of the production of unfertilized eggs, the breeder can take advantage of the maternal instincts of the bird and place fertilized biomaterial of other inhabitants of the yard under it. In any case, the female starts to clumble after laying 20 eggs and building a nest for herself. In rural areas for this feature, they are called "home incubators."
Therefore, fertilization does not affect the onset of oviposition. The main thing is that the turkey has reached the right age. Oviposition lasts 2-3 weeks in spring and autumn.Did you know? The tendency to incubate eggs is noted in turkeys and turkeys to the same extent. This gives certain advantages to the breeder. At the presence of a large number of eggs, you can seat males and females on them at the same time and get more young animals.
