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Domestic turkeys are among the most common types of poultry, raised on farms worldwide for their highly nutritious and delicious meat.
However, turkeys lay significantly fewer eggs than chickens—only about 100 eggs per year compared to the 300 eggs a hen can produce. But why not price turkey eggs higher and sell them as a rare commodity? In fact, there’s a very practical reason why turkey eggs don’t make it to store shelves.
How Often Do Turkeys Lay Eggs?
Turkeys are raised primarily for their meat, and unlike chickens, they aren’t prolific egg producers. On average, a turkey lays around 120–150 eggs per year, roughly half the number of a chicken. There are exceptional breeds that can lay up to 220 eggs annually under ideal conditions.
Proper care plays a significant role in egg production. For instance, during molting—a natural process where birds grow new feathers—egg production decreases significantly. Experienced farmers can mitigate this by reducing artificial lighting in poultry houses to minimize molting and boost productivity.
In contrast, chickens are far more productive. With proper care, certain breeds of hens can lay 330–340 eggs annually. Even under standard conditions, chickens can still produce around 200 eggs a year. The disparity makes turkey eggs rarer and more expensive.
Why Aren’t Turkey Eggs Sold?
Despite millions of turkeys being raised on farms globally, their eggs rarely reach the market. The reason is simple economics. Turkeys lay eggs far less frequently than chickens, making them a less competitive option.
Additionally, turkeys don’t start laying eggs until they’re around seven months old, while chickens begin as early as five months. This delay further reduces the appeal of turkeys for egg production.
Another challenge is the size of the birds. Turkeys are much larger than chickens and require more space, food, and time to raise, significantly increasing farming costs. Even if turkey eggs could be sold at a higher price, the combination of rarity and high production costs makes the business unprofitable.
Can You Eat Turkey Eggs?
Yes, turkey eggs are completely edible and taste remarkably similar to chicken eggs. They’re slightly larger, with thicker shells and membranes. Farmers who have tried them say they make an excellent option for culinary experiments.
Despite their rarity and higher cost, turkey eggs don’t offer any extraordinary or unique benefits. Essentially, they’re just a larger version of chicken eggs—difficult to find in stores but perfectly usable in recipes if you can get your hands on them.
Unlike turkey eggs, the eggs of some other birds, such as penguins, differ significantly in flavor and texture. But that’s an entirely different story.
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