We have been trying for 2 years to hatch our turkey eggs, but the hens just wouldn't co-operate. We made them a nice, secluded, cozy nest lined with cedar twigs and pine shavings. The hens would sit on the eggs, but not long enough to hatch them out.
So after 2 years of disappointment, we decided to go unconventional and use a surrogate to hatch the eggs.
Enter Banty, our Bantam hen. She might be small, but she's an excellent setter. And when went she broody a few weeks ago, we decided to give her a chance at hatching the turkey eggs.
From the beginning, she was consistent and diligent, only leaving the nest occasionally to get a drink of water and eat the clover we were feeding her.
We waited and waited.
Then yesterday morning, while the children were outside doing their morning chores, I heard Natalie yell, "Baby turkeys!!!"
I grabbed my camera and ran outside.
And this is what I saw..
Banty had hatched all four eggs!
One little turkey was looking a little sickly, but we hand feed him a few times. And by last night he was on his feet and acting fine.
So, our turkey flock has increased by four.
Next up - enlarging our chicken flock by hatching out some baby chicks, and Banty just might be the one to do it. :)
Hope you all have a lovely day!
