Are My Turkeys Sick?

[CYGChickies]

I have three turkey poults that are between six and eight weeks old. They are active and seem healthy except for one thing. Their poop is loose about 90% of the time. I've seen a few formed poops but that's it. The loose poop is tan--not yellow--and sometimes has white in it. I haven't seen blood but did see some flecks of stomach lining. They seem healthy but it has been very hot in Missouri. Their poop has been like this since I purchased them 2-3 weeks ago. Is it normal or is this a sign of something wrong?

CYG

 

[CYGChickies]

Does anyone know?

 

[ivan3]

What are you feeding them?
Describe `stomach lining'?

 

[CYGChickies]

I'm feeding them Purina Startena game feed. The stomach lining has only been a one or two time thing, little flecks of pink/red in the poop. There's a list of normal chicken poop on the web and the shed stomach lining poop pic looks like what my turkeys have had--except for the loose stool. They've been with me almost a month and they've had no change in behavior and this poop has been the same since I brought them home.

The poop thread: http://www.chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

CYG

 

[turkeymom]

I don't really know, but I would think if it looks among the range of normal from the 'poop link', it's probably ok. Maybe they're drinking more b/c of the heat and this is causing the looser stools?
I've given my poults a little fan, and I think that helps them a lot.
Maybe someone with more experience will pipe up.

 

[ivan3]

Have they been outside on the ground?

Likely suspect would be Coccidiosis (Eimeria__). http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/conference_proceedings/turkey_days/2002/radu_2002.pdf

If showing none of the other signs I'd not worry too much. However, Amprolium is a common treatment (prophylactically might be a good idea if they've been on ground - I'd look for other signs if these `contaminated' droppings continue).

ed:sp

 

[rfwombat]

Add Apple Cider Vinegar with "the mother" to their water (about a tablespoon to every gallon). That will help their digestive system stay strong and should improve the poop.

 

[CYGChickies]

They've been three-four feet off the ground in a rabbit hutch that has never been occupied by a bird or any other animal. It has been HOT so hot here. I will try the apple cider vinegar in the water and they are drinking a lot of water due to the heat. What is "the mother" referring to? Coccidia--which some rabbits I bought died of the day I bought them--is a constant worry for me since that. They don't have ruffled feathers. They are glossy and have plenty of energy and curiosity about bugs and sounds and everything outside. I thought if they had Cocci they probably wouldn't survive for three weeks as young as they are/were. I give them frozen 2-liter bottles changing the bottle about three-four times a day. Their water bottle is changed and cleaned as often or more if needed.

Thank you all for the advice it is comforting to hear the theories of others!

CYG

 

[ivan3]

Just search on ACV (apple cider vinegar - unpasteurized) plenty of theory.

Like I said, if they are otherwise fit, I'd not worry. Just keep an eye on the poop

However, prophylactic `worming' might not be a bad idea.

Good luck!