The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: ukag0972 on May 18, 2010, 06:32:17 am

Title: Turkey hatching
Post by: ukag0972 on May 18, 2010, 06:32:17 am

Hi guys
My turkeys are due today, but I had one hatch on Sunday and two yesterday, what do I do with the rest? How long do I leave them?
Any advice would be great as this is my first time hatching!
Thanks
lee

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: shetlandpaul on May 18, 2010, 07:45:01 am

at least 2-3 days. did you candle them.

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: Andrew on May 18, 2010, 08:57:32 am

Our turkeys hatched out just over a week ago they were due on the Friday. First one out was Wednesday and last one out was Sunday, from 40 eggs we had 22 hatch but we are now down to 17 as turkey poults seem to find it even easier than sheep to keel over.

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: shetlandpaul on May 18, 2010, 09:11:16 am

yup they do. a lot softer than chickens. we had one escape from the brooder and it died. we also have one just brought in for a bit of tlc. it looked ill so we shall see.the goose is happy it got a friend. i find the longer they take to hatch the weaker they are. the very early ones are sometimes a little to young. as long there are a few that make it to christmas im happy a lot cheaper than buying a bird in.

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: ukag0972 on May 18, 2010, 01:05:07 pm

Hi
I candled them and they're all fertile.
Do I just hang on and watch??

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: shetlandpaul on May 18, 2010, 02:12:53 pm

give them a couple more days. i hate to check them and find i was to quick. you can still candle them and see if there is any movement.

Title: Re: Turkey hatching
Post by: ukag0972 on May 18, 2010, 03:21:16 pm

Thanks
I'll candle them when it gets dark!