Turkey hens may eat their eggs for two primary reasons: nutritional deficiency or accident.
Based on information from reliable sources, including a reference from June 10, 2021, the key factors driving this behavior are often tied back to these two root causes.
Understanding the Main Causes
Let's break down the two main reasons why a turkey hen might start eating her eggs:
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Nutritional Deficiency:
- This is a common culprit. If your turkey hen's diet is lacking essential nutrients, particularly protein or calcium, she may turn to her own eggs to fulfill these cravings. Eggs are rich sources of both.
- A hen laying eggs requires higher levels of these nutrients to produce strong shells and healthy eggs.
- Insight: Ensuring a complete and balanced diet specifically formulated for laying poultry is crucial.
-
Accident:
- Sometimes, egg eating starts purely by chance. A hen might accidentally step on or break an egg in the nest.
- Once the egg is broken, she discovers the contents inside, which are nutritious and palatable. This accidental discovery can then lead to intentional egg eating as a learned behavior.
- Insight: Overcrowded nesting areas or insufficient bedding can increase the likelihood of accidental breakage.
How to Address Egg Eating
Identifying which cause is at play is the first step. Here are some general approaches related to the main causes:
-
Evaluate Nutrition:
- Ensure your turkey hen is receiving a high-quality layer feed.
- Consider providing supplemental calcium, such as oyster shell, available in a separate feeder.
- Check protein levels in her feed to ensure they meet the needs of laying poultry.
-
Inspect Nesting Areas:
- Make sure nesting boxes are spacious enough for the hen to comfortably sit and move without breaking eggs.
- Use plenty of clean, soft bedding material (like straw or shavings) to cushion the eggs.
- Collect eggs frequently to minimize the time they are in the nest and the opportunity for breakage or consumption.
| Cause | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Deficiency | Improve diet: High-quality layer feed, calcium/protein supplements |
| Accidental Discovery | Ensure safe nesting environment: Space, bedding, frequent collection |
Egg eating is a frustrating habit for poultry keepers, but understanding the underlying reasons – nutritional needs and accidental discovery – is key to addressing it.
