Hens become secretive while searching for a site to nest prior to laying eggs. Nests are shallow depressions formed by scratching, squatting and laying eggs. Moderate dense understory is preferred to allow hens a view, but also provide protection. Hens lay between 10-12 eggs during a two week period.

2018年4月23日 · Wild female turkeys, or hens, weigh from 5 to 12 pounds and range from 30 to 37 inches long. Hens bear less colorful feathers than males, with rusty brown, white or gray-tipped breast feathers. Their heads are either white or blue …

Let’s begin with the basics of distinguishing male wild turkeys (gobblers) from females (hens). Gobblers are larger-bodied birds, with a darker coloration, at times appearing almost black. In bright sunlight, their feathers cast a brilliant bronze or metallic iridescence.

2021年8月10日 · It takes hens about two weeks to lay a full complement of nine to 13 eggs. Hens will only visit the nesting site long enough to deposit her egg for the day. The rest of her time will be spent elsewhere feeding and roosting.

2024年10月29日 · Understanding how to identify hen turkeys based on physical traits, sounds, habitat and behavior is key to appreciating these remarkable birds. While less flamboyant than male turkeys hens have their own distinguishing characteristics that set them apart. Here are some of the key features to look for.

2024年9月25日 · We often associate turkey reproduction with the springtime, and rightly so, as that is when hens nest and subsequently begin to raise their brood of poults. However, how successful a hen is at reproducing in the spring hinges upon how well she comes out of winter, especially in northern climates.

2023年8月20日 · The head and neck of a turkey are key features to look for when trying to differentiate between a hen and a tom turkey. Male wild turkeys, also known as toms, have a larger head and a longer neck than female turkeys, or hens. Toms have a fleshy protuberance on their head called a snood, which can change size depending on the turkey’s mood.

2025年3月2日 · Wild turkey breeding occurs in spring with peak egg laying in April/May. After mating, hen turkeys seek secluded nest sites in woodlots or overgrown fields. A typical nest contains 10-12 eggs laid over several weeks. Nesting hens require undisturbed privacy to successfully incubate eggs for 25-28 days.

2025年3月9日 · In early spring, male wild turkeys, also called toms, begin competing for female turkeys, known as hens. Toms perform elaborate mating displays, spreading their tail feathers, puffing out their bodies, and making gobbling noises to attract hens. Once a hen selects a mate, the tom will breed with her.

2024年4月22日 · Usually, hens group up with other hens. Sometimes, jakes remain with hen groups, but they also group up on their own, or join up with gobbler groups. Regardless, most fall turkeys remain with their own genders, and rarely cross over or mingle with other groups.