Are my turkeys sick?

[ladycat]

I have turkeys about 2 months old now. I hatched them from purchased eggs.

Until yesterday they have been completely vigorous and healthy. Today there were 2 dead ones, and several more seem slightly listless, but otherwise don't seem sick. There are no symptoms that I can detect.

Any clues?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have never raised turkeys, but I would look at the poops for any diarrhea, blood, or bright yellow color, standing with their head pushed back into shoulders, decreased appetite, or any nasal or eye drainage. Here is a link to look over about turkey diseases: http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/ALBCturkey-5.pdf

 

[ladycat]

Thanks, I read the symptoms of every disease. I have examined them. No symptoms I can find other than a slight listlessness. No lesions, discoloration, diarrhea or respiratory.

What I can think to try is put some apple cider vinegar in their water (how much?), and see if they'll eat some yogurt. Anything else I can try?

 

[ladycat]

I've been googling, two different sites recommend adding molasses to their water but they don't say how much. I have organic blackstrap molasses. Not sure if I should try that.

 

[casportpony]

I've been googling, two different sites recommend adding molasses to their water but they don't say how much. I have organic blackstrap molasses. Not sure if I should try that.

Most likely blackhead, coccidiosis, bacterial infection or worms. Can you send one or both dead bodies to one of the many labs in Texas that do necropsies? Or do your own necropsy?

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Labs by state:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

This is how I ship mine:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/799747/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

FWIW, I take slightly listless as a pretty good sign they are sick. Can you take one to a vet?

-Kathy

 

[ladycat]

FWIW, I take slightly listless as a pretty good sign they are sick. Can you take one to a vet?

-Kathy

I'm out in the boonies with no transportation.

I just put some raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in their water.

 

[casportpony]

You should try your own necropsy then.

-Kathy