How many chicks in an average brood of wild turkeys?

Question

I was driving out in the country today and a family scurried across the road. I stopped to let them pass and was surprised at how many chicks were running after the hen, maybe 8 or 9.

Answer 1

If you saw that many that was good.  Kinda what we see here in southern Illinois.  At least early.  The young suffer high mortality.  More than likely there will be only 2 or 3 left by fall.  There is also a lot of nest destruction and egg predation.  The turkey hen does not do all that much to hide her nest.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBir...

Answer 2

A hen lies from 10 to 15 eggs. Most would hatch but many would not live to adult size. It is not uncommon to see 30 or more half grown turkeys together because turkeys tend to flock and several hens will bring thier broods together during the summer.