Turkey Fertile Eggs

“Hatching Turkey Fertile Eggs: Your Guide to Success with Automatic Incubators”

If you’re eager to embark on the fascinating journey of hatching turkey fertile eggs, you’re in for an exciting and rewarding experience. In this post, we’ll explore the process of hatching turkey eggs using automatic incubators and offer valuable tips for a successful hatch.

Choosing the Right Turkey Fertile Eggs:

Before you dive into the world of turkey egg incubation, start by selecting high-quality fertile eggs. Look for eggs from healthy, disease-free turkey hens and vigorous toms. Make sure the eggs are clean, free from cracks, and no older than seven days. Proper storage is essential to maintain egg freshness, so store them in a cool, humidity-controlled environment with regular turning to prevent settling.

Setting Up Your Automatic Incubator:

1. Selecting the Right Incubator: Choose a reliable automatic incubator with precise temperature and humidity control. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up the incubator.
2. Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) in the incubator. Use a quality thermometer to verify the accuracy of the incubator’s built-in thermometer.
3. Humidity Control: Turkey eggs require a higher humidity level than chicken eggs. Keep the humidity around 55% to 60% during the incubation period. Increase it to 70% during the last three days of incubation.

The Incubation Process:

1. Positioning Eggs: Place the turkey eggs in the incubator with the large end facing upward. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper airflow.
2. Turning Eggs: Automatic incubators typically have an egg-turning feature, but if not, you’ll need to turn the eggs manually at least three times a day. Turning prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell.
3. Candling: On day 7, use a candling device to check for signs of embryo development. Discard any eggs that show no growth or have abnormalities.
4. Lockdown Period: During the last three days of incubation, increase humidity and stop turning the eggs. This is the “lockdown” period, where the embryos prepare to hatch.

Hatching Day:

1. Prepare for Hatching: As you approach the expected hatch date (approximately day 28 for turkey eggs), ensure the incubator is clean and free from obstructions.
2. Patience is Key: Hatching can be a lengthy process, lasting up to 48 hours. Be patient and avoid opening the incubator until most of the poults have hatched. Disturbances can harm unhatched embryos.
3. Assisting Hatchlings: In some cases, you may need to assist hatchlings by gently removing bits of shell or membrane, but do so with extreme care.
   

Caring for Newly Hatched Poults:

Once your turkey poults have successfully hatched, transfer them to a warm brooder with proper heating and ample space to move around. Provide them with fresh water and specially formulated turkey chick feed. Monitor their health, temperature, and humidity, ensuring a smooth transition from the incubator to their new home.

Hatching turkey eggs with automatic incubators is an exciting and educational experience that allows you to witness the miracle of life. By following these guidelines and maintaining meticulous care, you’ll increase your chances of successfully hatching and raising a healthy batch of turkey poults. Good luck on your journey to raising these amazing birds!