- May 16, 2016
- 7
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I had 9 Broad breasted white turkeys, about 9.5 weeks old. Their official home is a 12x12 barn stall with a large feeder and large waterer. They have access to 300 acres and are constantly exploring. Since 2 weeks of age, I've had issues with feather pecking, usually the tail. Since I check on them at least once per day, I've managed to catch the victims early, separate them if needed, and treat with blue spray. I actually thought since they began free ranging, the problem was resolved since they have so many other things to do.
This morning when I checked on them, one had about 50% of her body dark red and exposed, and her vent showed some signs of cannabilism. She appeared to be doing quite poorly - i.e. wouldn't move, barely peeped when I picked her up, extremely lethargic. She seemed to me to be on her way out. It looked so painful that I did not phone anyone or google anything to see if I could save her or not - I made a fast decision to euthanize her quickly.
Now I'm just wondering if there are some kind of guidelines on when to euthanize for severe feather pecking, and when to try and rehabilitate. I could have tried to feed her electrolytes and treat her wounds in the house - Im just not sure that would have been very humane with how much raw skin was exposed. Or is it not actually as painful as it looks?
I'd just like some more information to make a better informed decision for if it happens again. I'm not sure what else I could do management wise to prevent this... they have free access to the recommended feed, always have access to water, and have ample room. It was 30 degrees yesterday and they chose to spend the day in their barn stall because it was shady, but they were all panting. Maybe they were too hot?
Thanks for the input!
This morning when I checked on them, one had about 50% of her body dark red and exposed, and her vent showed some signs of cannabilism. She appeared to be doing quite poorly - i.e. wouldn't move, barely peeped when I picked her up, extremely lethargic. She seemed to me to be on her way out. It looked so painful that I did not phone anyone or google anything to see if I could save her or not - I made a fast decision to euthanize her quickly.
Now I'm just wondering if there are some kind of guidelines on when to euthanize for severe feather pecking, and when to try and rehabilitate. I could have tried to feed her electrolytes and treat her wounds in the house - Im just not sure that would have been very humane with how much raw skin was exposed. Or is it not actually as painful as it looks?
I'd just like some more information to make a better informed decision for if it happens again. I'm not sure what else I could do management wise to prevent this... they have free access to the recommended feed, always have access to water, and have ample room. It was 30 degrees yesterday and they chose to spend the day in their barn stall because it was shady, but they were all panting. Maybe they were too hot?
Thanks for the input!