We now have our own turkey breed stock and incubation room for the eggs. And this time of year, the hatchlings are coming fast an furious. (Papa) Jon is out there every 4-6 hours to check on the progress. Only about 600 left to go. Here is one that is just a few minutes old.
They somehow crack a hole in the egg and break apart an opening at one end. Then they use the other end of the egg as leverage against their legs to push out. It is truly amazing.
Then we collect them (after they've dried a bit and are on their feet) and transfer them to a warm, sawdust covered enclosure with heat lamps.
As you can see, we hang feather dusters down so they have the feeling of being protected by their mother. It's ingenious and it really works!
They huddle under the dusters and come out for food and water (and, often, to play).
New life on the farm comes in all different ways. And soon, these hatchling will be awkward 2-month-olds. And before you know it, they'll be out on pasture. They grow up so fast!
