Turkey eggs hatch in 28 days, the same length as Pekin duck eggs. The incubation routine is close to that of chickens, but brooding the poults calls for care.
Turkey incubation length
Count 28 days at 37.5 °C. Set humidity to 45 to 55 % during incubation, then raise it to 65 to 75 % at lockdown to make hatching easier.
Day-by-day calendar
Set eggs on day 1 at 37.5 °C. First candling around day 10 to check fertility and remove clear eggs. A second candling around day 20 confirms good development. Lockdown on day 25: stop turning and raise humidity to 65 to 75 %. Hatch expected on day 28.
Turning
Turn the eggs at least 2 times a day, ideally 3, until lockdown. Regular turning keeps the embryo from sticking to the membrane and ensures even development. Stop all turning on day 25.
Mistakes to avoid
Unstable temperature and humidity that is too low near the end are the most common traps. Check your thermometer and hygrometer, and do not open the incubator during the last three days.
Brooding poults
Poults are fragile at the start and more sensitive to cold than chicks. Plan a brooder at 37 to 38 °C for the first week, lowered by about 3 °C each week. Offer a high protein starter feed and clean lukewarm water at all times, and make sure they find the feeder quickly.
Key points
- Turkey: 28 days at 37.5 °C.
- Candling on day 10, lockdown on day 25.
- Humidity 45 to 55 % then 65 to 75 % at lockdown.
- Brooder at 37 to 38 °C for the first week for poults.