A century of Turkey talk 2000-2100.

[Flashpoint]

It was posted in the Turkeys forum yesterday.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/turkey-avian-flu.1359955/

It was also posted in the Emergencies /Diseases / Injuries and Cures forum

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/avian-flu-alert-is-n-u-s-.1359958/

North Carolina
Commercial Turkeys - Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry)

 

[CindyinSD]

You might want to think twice about raising turkeys there with chickens.

So, the story is, the chickens eat earthworms (which can carry blackhead--but only if it's present in the soil). Turkeys don't naturally go after earthworms, but chickens can be a vector for the disease to turkeys who are in contact with them. Sand doesn't make a good substrate for earthworms, so sand is safe. I think I also read (perhaps here?) that county extension agents may be able to provide information on the likelihood that the soil is infested with blackhead?

I haven't asked because I already had turkeys and chickens by the time I had heard of blackhead. So far no problems... Sure hope that continues.

 

[R2elk]

So, the story is, the chickens eat earthworms (which can carry blackhead--but only if it's present in the soil). Turkeys don't naturally go after earthworms, but chickens can be a vector for the disease to turkeys who are in contact with them. Sand doesn't make a good substrate for earthworms, so sand is safe. I think I also read (perhaps here?) that county extension agents may be able to provide information on the likelihood that the soil is infested with blackhead?

I haven't asked because I already had turkeys and chickens by the time I had heard of blackhead. So far no problems... Sure hope that continues.

Earthworms can be a carrier but are not essential in the scheme of things. I have lots of earthworms in my sand dune and have never had any problems. The robins go nuts for them.

 

[ejtrout31]

So, the story is, the chickens eat earthworms (which can carry blackhead--but only if it's present in the soil). Turkeys don't naturally go after earthworms, but chickens can be a vector for the disease to turkeys who are in contact with them. Sand doesn't make a good substrate for earthworms, so sand is safe. I think I also read (perhaps here?) that county extension agents may be able to provide information on the likelihood that the soil is infested with blackhead?

I haven't asked because I already had turkeys and chickens by the time I had heard of blackhead. So far no problems... Sure hope that continues.

My older sister raised turkeys here on our family farm and there was never a problem. My dad also raised them growing up they will be in a different pen but will free range together. Is there anything i can do to prevent this.

 

[CindyinSD]

My older sister raised turkeys here on our family farm and there was never a problem. My dad also raised them growing up they will be in a different pen but will free range together. Is there anything i can do to prevent this.

I'm just repeating what I read/understood here... will wait for someone else to elucidate.

 

[duluthralphie]

My older sister raised turkeys here on our family farm and there was never a problem. My dad also raised them growing up they will be in a different pen but will free range together. Is there anything i can do to prevent this.

Not really, it’s a wait and see thing. Just be aware it can happen.

My sand dune is a higher class sand dune than R2elk’s sand dune. I have no worms here. It’s too sandy.

I am pretty sure this is a true sand dune, considering Sand Dunes State Forest is next door.

 

[Flashpoint]

So, the story is, the chickens eat earthworms (which can carry blackhead--but only if it's present in the soil). Turkeys don't naturally go after earthworms, but chickens can be a vector for the disease to turkeys who are in contact with them. Sand doesn't make a good substrate for earthworms, so sand is safe. I think I also read (perhaps here?) that county extension agents may be able to provide information on the likelihood that the soil is infested with blackhead?

I haven't asked because I already had turkeys and chickens by the time I had heard of blackhead. So far no problems... Sure hope that continues.

I called DNR and the Farm Bureau in my county - Neither one had a single instance of blackhead in turkeys in decades. Not in wild turkeys and not in domestic.

Right now I have 21 chickens, 9 turkeys, and two ducks who co-mingle all the time. I have had no diseases like I have read on many posts. I have dusted for mites (or oil sprayed for scaley mites), but after 20 plus years, I think that's pretty decent numbers.

Just my 2cents worth.

 

[R2elk]

Not really, it’s a wait and see thing. Just be aware it can happen.

My sand dune is a higher class sand dune than R2elk’s sand dune. I have no worms here. It’s too sandy.

I am pretty sure this is a true sand dune, considering Sand Dunes State Forest is next door.

Prior to me, my sand dune had no worms. I brought them with me. Now they are everywhere that stays moist enough to support them.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

or a goose??? stupid honky things

Sunshine & Lollipop are stupid honky things, but I love them lol

You might want to think twice about raising turkeys there with chickens.

My land is on clay and we have so many worms it's insane. But, not trouble here with blackhead

 

[R2elk]

I had a high of 58°F today. The wind is howling down from the north bringing rain and ice pellets with it. The temperature has dropped to 32°F and is still going down.