Do Eggs Come From Turkeys’ Bums? Uncovering the Truth

It’s a question that sparks curiosity—and maybe a chuckle. Do turkey eggs come from their bums? If you’ve ever wondered how these big birds lay eggs, or if their reproductive systems are similar to chickens or ducks, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the fascinating science behind how turkeys lay eggs and clear up some of the biggest misconceptions.

Do Eggs Come From a Turkey’s Bum?

Yes, turkey eggs exit through the same orifice—the cloaca—that turkeys use for pooping, but that doesn’t mean the eggs are coming from their “bum” in the way people typically think.

Turkeys, like all birds, have a single exit point used for waste and reproduction. However, their reproductive anatomy is designed to keep the egg-laying process clean, sterile, and separate from the digestive system during laying. The cloaca is the external opening, but there’s more going on inside than meets the eye.

What Is the Cloaca and What Does It Do?

The cloaca is the all-in-one exit for birds. It serves three systems:

• Digestive: expels feces
• Urinary: releases uric acid
• Reproductive: lays eggs or passes sperm

This might sound messy, but the bird’s anatomy is incredibly well-engineered. During egg-laying, a turkey’s body prioritizes the reproductive system, and the oviduct (where the egg travels) everts slightly outside the cloaca. This prevents the egg from touching waste or bacteria inside the digestive tract.

How Turkey Eggs Are Formed Step-by-Step

The journey of a turkey egg is both intricate and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of how it forms:

1. Ovary: A mature ovum (yolk) is released from the ovary.
2. Infundibulum: Captures the yolk and, if mating occurred, fertilization happens here.
3. Magnum: The albumen (egg white) is deposited around the yolk.
4. Isthmus: Shell membranes are added.
5. Uterus (Shell Gland): The hard outer shell forms, mostly from calcium carbonate.
6. Vagina: The egg enters this final part of the oviduct before it is laid.

The shell is the last to form and takes the longest—up to 20 hours. When the egg is ready, it passes into the cloaca, and the hen lays it without contamination from waste.

Why Do People Think Eggs Come From the Bum?

The confusion likely comes from the fact that the cloaca is a multi-use opening. Since both poop and eggs exit from the same area, it’s easy to assume they use the same path. But in reality, the internal plumbing keeps things organized.

Plus, because people often don’t see the internal process, they only witness the final moment—when the egg comes out of the rear of the turkey. That visual alone gives rise to the phrase “egg from the bum,” even though it’s anatomically inaccurate.

Are Turkey Eggs Dirty Because of This?

No, turkey eggs are generally clean when laid. The reproductive tract everts during laying, and the digestive tract is essentially paused. Also, a protective layer known as the bloom or cuticle coats the egg, sealing it from bacteria.

That said, if turkeys are kept in dirty conditions or nests are poorly maintained, the eggs can become soiled. This has more to do with the environment than the bird’s anatomy.

Why Don’t We Commonly Eat Turkey Eggs?

Turkey eggs are perfectly edible and rich in flavor. However, several reasons make them less common in the market:

• Turkeys lay fewer eggs: around 100 per year, compared to 250–300 for chickens.
• Higher cost: More feed, space, and time for fewer eggs means higher prices.
• Commercial focus: Turkeys are raised more for meat than egg production.

Backyard homesteaders may enjoy turkey eggs, but they’re considered a delicacy, not a staple like chicken eggs.

Can Turkeys Lay Eggs Without a Tom?

Yes, female turkeys (hens) can lay eggs without a tom (male). However, those eggs will be unfertilized and won’t develop into poults (baby turkeys). Fertilization only occurs through mating.

Do Turkeys Poop While Laying Eggs?

No, they don’t. When laying an egg, the turkey’s body ensures that the reproductive tract temporarily takes over, and the digestive tract is not active during that moment. The egg exits through the cloaca, but without feces interference.

Egg Hygiene Tips for Backyard Turkey Keepers

If you’re raising turkeys and collecting their eggs, here’s how to keep them clean and safe:

• Clean the nesting boxes regularly
• Use dry bedding such as straw or pine shavings
• Collect eggs daily to avoid spoilage or damage
• Don’t wash the eggs unless necessary—this preserves the protective bloom

Turkey Egg vs. Chicken Egg: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Turkey Egg	Chicken Egg
Size	Larger	Smaller
Shell Thickness	Thicker	Thinner
Yolk Richness	Higher fat, creamier	Balanced flavor
Availability	Rare	Common

Learning About Animal Anatomy Helps You Thrive Off-Grid

Understanding how turkeys and other birds lay eggs isn’t just interesting—it’s practical. If you’re a homesteader, survivalist, or someone preparing for long-term self-reliance, this knowledge helps you:

• Maintain healthy birds and egg hygiene
• Improve yield from your poultry
• Reduce dependence on outside food systems

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Fun Facts About Turkey Eggs

• They take about 28 days to hatch if fertilized
• They are speckled and cream-colored, unlike uniform chicken eggs
• They’re excellent in baking due to higher fat content
• Some chefs prefer them for custards and pastries

Conclusion: Do Turkey Eggs Come From Their Bums?

While it’s true that turkey eggs exit the same opening used for excretion—the cloaca—they do not come from the “bum” in the typical sense. The reproductive system is carefully structured to keep the egg-laying process clean and uncontaminated.

This fascinating blend of anatomy and biology showcases nature’s ingenuity. Whether you’re raising turkeys, preparing for self-sufficiency, or just curious about how birds work, now you’ve got a clear, science-backed answer.

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