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Please Help! I'm worried about my pet turkey losing feathers!!

post #1 of 6
10/18/11 at 1:07pm
Thread Starter 

I have a 6 yr old beloved pet turkey named Sarah. I've only had the privelage of owning her for 2 of these 6 years but she is my best friend and amazing companion. A couple of months ago she started to lose her feathers on her chest and I assumed she was just molting. however. she is still losing them and it is almost november, and not many have grown back. she acts and looks healthy, but i am very concerned as to why her feathers are not coming back in.

ALSO: I wish to give her all of the right nutrients and dewormers and such, i'm just not positive about all of what antibiotics or supplements she needs. I give her grit and turkey feed as well as scraps and veggies. How often do turkeys need to be dewormed and what other supplements does she need? I'm just worried about losing her and I will be devastated if I do.

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post #2 of 6
10/18/11 at 1:24pm

Well, first of all, let's look at the simple things.  Have you checked her out for mites or lice? 

Secondly, what are you feeding her?  Turkeys need more protein that chickens.  I think they actually need about 24%, so check the labels on your feed bags, or ask your farm store guy or gal what you should buy for her.  Feathers are made up mainly of protein, so maybe she just needs more protein in her diet.

Another simple thing to look at:  Is she being pecked?  Perhaps there is another turkey or a hen that is pulling her feathers.  This can happen, especially if birds don't have enough space.  Could that be it?

Oh, and if the feathers are broken off, and not completely out, the quills will stay in, and the feathers won't grow back until the next molt. 

I sure hope this helps your turkey friend, Sarah!

Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

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Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

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post #3 of 6
10/18/11 at 1:51pm

Adding to the excellent suggestions above, what kind or turkey is she and does she sleep on a roost or on the ground?  Also, is there a chance that she is pacing along a fence and rubbing the feathers off?

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post #4 of 6
10/18/11 at 2:10pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you so much guys, I really do appreciate the help!!

She is being fed chicken feed, so I'm wondering if that may be what is causing her feathers to break off. She does still have the quills in...I wonder what I should do about keepin her warm for the winter? That concerns me...

As far as checking for lice/mites, how would I spot them on her white feathers? She is kept alone, so she's not being pecked, and she does pace the fence at times but I do not believe that she really rubs against it..

She does sleep on the ground, not a roost, and she is either a broad breasted white, or a white holland, not positive which?

As far as parasites, how often should she be treated and what should I give her for them?

Thanks again!!!!!

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post #5 of 6
10/18/11 at 7:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrs_Turkey 

Thank you so much guys, I really do appreciate the help!!

She is being fed chicken feed, so I'm wondering if that may be what is causing her feathers to break off. She does still have the quills in...I wonder what I should do about keepin her warm for the winter? That concerns me...

As far as checking for lice/mites, how would I spot them on her white feathers? She is kept alone, so she's not being pecked, and she does pace the fence at times but I do not believe that she really rubs against it..

She does sleep on the ground, not a roost, and she is either a broad breasted white, or a white holland, not positive which?

As far as parasites, how often should she be treated and what should I give her for them?

Thanks again!!!!!


To look for parasites, you have to really part those feathers and look down to the skin.  Good places to look are at the base of the neck and also near the vent.  (Hopefully she will cooperate, you might have to have someone hold her for you.)  If she has the little critters, then you can powder her down really well with some Seven Dust or Poultry Dust, and then repeat that in exactly 2 weeks.  I would also give her coop a thorough cleaning and dusting as well if you find any lice or mites. 

If she's alone, and pacing, she may be rubbing those feathers off.  She might need something to do.....something to stimulate her.....I do think turkeys can become bored.....

Good luck and let us know what you find,
Sharon

Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

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Proud owner of some nice show quality Buckeyes and Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  I love gardening and being outdoors.  I'm lucky to have a great family, and two cute dogs.  I live out in the country on six wooded acres and it's just paradise!  (Except the mortgage payment and bills, of course)

Reply
post #6 of 6
10/18/11 at 10:06pm

You should be able to tell if she's BB or WH... just feel the breast area.  BB are a lot wider than WH.  And it isn't uncommon for BB turkeys to lose feathers from sleeping on the ground.  Put some extra bedding where she likes to lay.  I have had them lose feathers like that before, they made it through a ND winter with no ill effects.

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