2. Turkey Identification Original by Derek Newham Modified by Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Office- July 2004

3. Male or Female? Hens are usually smaller Hens are usually smaller They are duller in color They are duller in color Hens droppings are in a mound shape. Hens droppings are in a mound shape. Tom’s droppings are J- shaped. Tom’s droppings are J- shaped.

4. The Hen’s Egg The female turkey’s egg is white with plashes of brown, unlike that of a chickens egg which is a solid color. The female turkey’s egg is white with plashes of brown, unlike that of a chickens egg which is a solid color. Incubation period is about 28 days. Incubation period is about 28 days. Lots of animals love to feast on turkey eggs. Lots of animals love to feast on turkey eggs.

5. Who’s Your Daddy?! You can distinguish between Toms and Jakes by their beards. You can distinguish between Toms and Jakes by their beards. Mature Toms beard will usually exceed 6 inches. Mature Toms beard will usually exceed 6 inches. A Tom’s spur length is about 1 in. A Tom’s spur length is about 1 in. Jakes usually have nubs. Jakes usually have nubs.

6. Con’t. A mature Tom can also be determined by the length of the tail feathers when in strut. A mature Tom can also be determined by the length of the tail feathers when in strut. A Jakes tail feathers are uneven as shown. A Jakes tail feathers are uneven as shown. Jake Tom

7. Exceptions to the Rules. Some abnormalities that have been discovered. Some abnormalities that have been discovered. Hens have been known to grow beards. Hens have been known to grow beards. Hens have also been known to gobble. Hens have also been known to gobble. Toms are capable of growing multi-beards. These toms are known as non-typical. Toms are capable of growing multi-beards. These toms are known as non-typical.

8. More info To find out more about the sounds of turkeys or anything else, a good website is NWTF.org. To find out more about the sounds of turkeys or anything else, a good website is NWTF.org.