What is the difference between a jake and a hen

These hens represent a valuable segment of the turkey nesting population and hunters are urged to pass on them whenever possible. Physical characteristics can be used to differentiate hens and gobblers. Gobblers have pronounced red, white and blue head coloration during the spring season. The white skull cap on the gobbler is distinct, as is the presence of leg spurs and prominent red wattles on the neck.

The body coloration of a gobbler is distinctly dark, almost black. In contrast, hens have a smaller, bluish-gray head, lack spurs and prominent wattles, and are brownish in appearance.

Finally, gobblers strut, fan their tails and gobble; hens do not. You can consider several different factors when comparing a jake turkey to a tom. In the jake vs. The tail feathers provide the easiest identification because you can see them from a distance and they require no measuring. Jake turkey tails stick up noticeably in the middle, while toms have uniform tail feathers. Beard length also provides a noticeable distinguishing characteristic.

Jake turkey beards measure about five inches or less, while the beards of toms can grow eight inches or longer. Spur length also differs between jake vs. A jake turkey's spurs grow no longer than half an inch, while tom turkeys' spurs continue to grow through their second and third year. Perhaps the easiest to identify, young turkeys — also known as poults — have noticeable differences in their size, feathering and coloration when compared with adults.

Poults grow quickly but are still noticeably smaller than hens and toms. They also have mottled brown and black feathers to help them blend in and hide from predators. Additionally, poults have short feathers on their heads, while adults have sparse feathering and bare skin on their heads. Marina Somma is a freelance writer and animal trainer.

She holds a B. However, there are some common, distinguishing characteristics that apply to all. And sometimes toms will even develop multiple beards. However, they do on rare occasions develop beards, which can be quite confusing to hunters. This is why in many states a bearded hen can be legally harvested.

The tips of the breast feathers also differ slightly between male and female birds.