05/27/2026
Considering how many turkeys are raised domestically in the U.S. (around 218 million) and how many wild turkeys roam among us (around 7 million), it seems like we should make better use of their eggs. They are egg-laying birds, after all, and since turkey meat is so similar to chicken meat, it seems logical that turkey eggs would be similar to chicken eggs, right?
Basically, that’s true. Turkey eggs are larger than chicken eggs, and they have a stronger shell, but from what people say, they’re similar to eating chicken eggs, only a little richer. Larger and richer, and yet we don’t eat them on the regular? Why the heck not?
The Self-Sufficient Backyard YouTube channel explains the whole thing in a video that’s been viewed by nearly 4 million people (you can watch at the link below). Clearly, this is a burning question for people once it’s brought to their attention.
Basically, what it boils down to is that their size makes them hard to handle, package, and store. Turkeys also aren’t nearly as prolific as chickens. (Chickens lay eggs around once per day, while turkeys lay at most twice per week.) It’s also more expensive to raise turkeys than chickens, so the price of a turkey egg is prohibitive, at around $3 per egg. Considering how everyone lost their minds over chicken eggs at $6 a dozen, it’s unlikely people would pay $36 for a dozen turkey eggs.
