Wild Turkey nesting habits include hidden nests and quick hatchings

Wild Turkey hens lay between nine and 13 eggs over about two weeks and incubate them for nearly 28 days, rarely leaving the nest, according to wildlife sources.

Nest placement is key. Hens often choose sites within 30 meters of openings like road edges, trails, or food plots, providing poults quick access to good brood habitat after hatching.

nests are tucked into thick cover such as briars, grasses, or vines, with light overhead cover that helps hens stay hidden while allowing them to see predators. Even with proper nest sites, success rates are low.

Only about 10 to 40 percent of nests hatch successfully, and roughly 25 percent of poults survive their first few weeks, wildlife experts say.

When they hatch, poults are on their feet within 24 hours, following the hen and learning survival skills. Each successful nest helps sustain turkey populations, wildlife officials note.

Next time you’re outdoors in spring, wildlife officials suggest, look out for signs of hidden life just beyond view.

Source: Original Article