While Americans feasted on turkey for Thanksgiving, many have questioned why the bird’s eggs aren’t on the menu, and it all comes down to the cost. Unlike chickens that produce one egg every 24 hours or so, turkeys drop maybe two a week. Turkeys have a longer life cycle, so they need to get to about 7 months before they’re able to produce laying eggs. Chickens, on the other hand, only have to reach about 5 months before they can start laying eggs. Experts have also noted that turkeys need more food and larger housing, costs that would be passed on to consumers. Farmers would have to sell each turkey egg for at least $3, making a full dozen $36. Turkey eggs also contain twice as many calories and fat, and three times the cholesterol as those from hens. While turkey eggs aren’t going to be on any restaurant menu any time soon, turkeys will always be the headliner at Thanksgiving dinner.
