Laid to the Party
What’s good for the Tom isn’t always good for “Tom” (and Tammy, and their tiny tots), however. And yes, we know that Tom turkeys aren’t the ones laying the eggs. Those egg-laying birds, on the other hand, aren’t all that great at laying eggs compared to their hen-pecked chicken cousins.
The average turkey lays two speckled eggs per week – and that’s on a good week. Chickens (and domestic ducks, for that matter) lay eggs daily. (images via California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Worth Shelling Out For?
Turkeys also take their time growing old enough to even lay eggs: about 7 months, compared to just 5 months for chickens. The cost of feeding and housing pre-mature birds has got to be paid by someone, and that someone is (are?) us. Crunch the numbers and – crunch a few eggshells while you’re at it – a single turkey egg costs roughly the same as a dozen chicken eggs. (image via Jason Hollinger)
And That’s No Yolk
All that adds up to the fact that your local supermarket won’t be stocking turkey eggs any time soon. Your local farmer’s market, though, is another thing entirely – aside from roadside stands in farm country, they’re probably your best bet for scoring some delicious “alternative” eggs. And they ARE delicious, according to numerous taste-testers: once you get through the slightly harder shells and slightly thicker membrane, turkey eggs deliver a winning combination of “creamy” deliciousness and eggs-cellent flavor. Well worth a gobble, one might say! (image via T.Tseng)
Want to seasonally spice up that bland and boring Thanksgiving menu? Check out Scary Spice: 10 Odd Autumn Pumpkin Spice Foods & Snacks!

