Technology
Science
Discovery
Cultures & People
Animals & Nature
Life & Self
Pop Culture
Food & Drinks
Travel
Smart Shopping
Home & Outdoors
Ask & Share
Why do we usually eat chicken eggs while turkey eggs are overlooked?
However, domestic turkeys are among the most common poultry. These birds are raised on farms worldwide because their meat is nutritious and delicious.
Of course, they lay far fewer eggs than hens—about 100 eggs per year compared to a hen’s 300 eggs. But why not increase the price of turkey eggs due to their rarity and sell them in stores that way? There is actually a good reason for that.
Proper care plays a key role in this issue. For example, during molting season, turkey egg production decreases significantly. This is a natural process where birds grow new feathers, but experienced poultry farmers know how to manage it. Reducing artificial lighting in poultry houses can help prevent molting, thus increasing productivity.
Chickens, on the other hand, have a much higher egg-laying capacity. With proper care, high-yield laying hens can produce up to 330–340 eggs per year. Even the minimum egg production of hens raised under normal conditions is about 200 eggs per year. Turkeys clearly fall behind in this aspect, making their eggs rarer and more expensive.
Furthermore, turkeys start laying eggs at about seven months old, whereas hens become egg layers at five months. This also makes turkeys less attractive to egg farmers.
Another issue is the size of the bird. Turkeys are much larger than hens and require more space, food, and time to grow. These birds are more expensive to raise, increasing costs for farmers. Even if turkey eggs were sold at a higher price, their rarity and high production costs make this business unprofitable.
Although rare and expensive, turkey eggs do not have any unusual or exotic properties. Essentially, they are just a larger version of chicken eggs, difficult to find in stores. But if you do come across one, you can easily use it in recipes.
On the other hand, eggs from certain other birds, such as penguins, have significantly different flavors and textures. But that is a completely different story.
However, domestic turkeys are among the most common poultry. These birds are raised on farms worldwide because their meat is nutritious and delicious.
Of course, they lay far fewer eggs than hens—about 100 eggs per year compared to a hen’s 300 eggs. But why not increase the price of turkey eggs due to their rarity and sell them in stores that way? There is actually a good reason for that.
How Often Do Turkeys Lay Eggs in a Year?
Turkeys are raised for their meat, but unlike hens, they do not have high egg production. On average, a turkey lays about 120–150 eggs per year, nearly half as many as most chickens. However, some record-holding birds can lay up to 220 eggs per year under ideal conditions.Proper care plays a key role in this issue. For example, during molting season, turkey egg production decreases significantly. This is a natural process where birds grow new feathers, but experienced poultry farmers know how to manage it. Reducing artificial lighting in poultry houses can help prevent molting, thus increasing productivity.
Chickens, on the other hand, have a much higher egg-laying capacity. With proper care, high-yield laying hens can produce up to 330–340 eggs per year. Even the minimum egg production of hens raised under normal conditions is about 200 eggs per year. Turkeys clearly fall behind in this aspect, making their eggs rarer and more expensive.
Why Aren’t Turkey Eggs Sold?
Despite the fact that thousands of turkeys are raised on farms worldwide, their eggs do not appear on the market. The reason for this is simple economics. Turkeys lay far fewer eggs than chickens, and with such low productivity, they cannot compete with high-yield hens.Furthermore, turkeys start laying eggs at about seven months old, whereas hens become egg layers at five months. This also makes turkeys less attractive to egg farmers.
Another issue is the size of the bird. Turkeys are much larger than hens and require more space, food, and time to grow. These birds are more expensive to raise, increasing costs for farmers. Even if turkey eggs were sold at a higher price, their rarity and high production costs make this business unprofitable.
Are Turkey Eggs Edible?
Turkey eggs are a complete food source and taste very similar to regular chicken eggs. They are slightly larger, with thicker shells and membranes. According to farmers who have tasted them, turkey eggs have a flavor that is almost identical to chicken eggs, making them a great choice for culinary experiments.Although rare and expensive, turkey eggs do not have any unusual or exotic properties. Essentially, they are just a larger version of chicken eggs, difficult to find in stores. But if you do come across one, you can easily use it in recipes.
On the other hand, eggs from certain other birds, such as penguins, have significantly different flavors and textures. But that is a completely different story.
