Crippled Turkey

[Smitty's Farm]

Quote:
I didn't do any research before ordering our turkey. I had done a ton on the chickens for a few years before I decided to order them. My husband and daughter really wanted one, so when I called the Hatchery to order our chicks I asked them a few questions and they offered to put a turkey in with our chicken order. My mistake for not doing the research. The hatchery I ordered from would only ship Turkeys as straight Run, so we didn't know at first if we had a hen or a Tom. If you want only pullet I suggest you research who would sell specific genders. I bet the BB pullet have the same problem. It's not only that they are to big to walk, it is a leg deformity that is caused by the fast growth rate. I have been informed that they should be butchered at 16 weeks old and mine is now 6 months old.

I don't know what would be the best turkey for eating. I know mine looks very healthy. I don't know if BB is cheaper than the heritage breeds. I ordered him in April. I'll have to recheck my order form. You can go online and check out hatcheries to see what they offer and even order a catalog. I went with a hatchery that our feed store uses b/c it was closer, so I figure the little babies would have less stress traveling through the mail.

I know our feed store sells tukeys in their store around May, so that may be something to look into if you didn't want to put in a big order from a hatchery. The hatcheries usually require a min of 15 to order for warmth through the mail. They were able to put my one lonely turkey in my shipment in b/c I had ordered 15 chickens (pullets).

I'm sorry that I'm not much help! Good luck!

 

[Chicken Girls]

I bought 2 turkey's. One died and the one that survived appears to have a problem with it legs. I have had turkey's in the past and never had problems with their legs. The one that died also developed deformed legs. I bought 2 different turkeys about 3 weeks later and so far so good. I read the other threads and it appears that with some breeds of turkey they have leg problems. I got my chicks from Big R and I am going to call and ask them about the turkey's I bought. All the chicks I bought are healthy. I assumed the turkeys would be too. I am glad I found this site. I have a small farm and have 4 adut chickens, pullets and one rooster. They are my pets but they lay eggs too so.....bonus

 

[RockRoyal1]

I know it has been a little while since you had this issue. Please let me know how everything turned out. I have the sweetest little 6 week old royal palm turkey that it's left leg is facing left instead of forward like the other leg. I would appreciate your thoughts on what to do. I've taken her/he to the vet and taped the legs together for two and a half weeks with no change. We call her/he Baby and already we are attached to this little pet. We would be grateful for sharing your experience. Thanks, Linda

 

[sweetie57]

We have a 6 month old Bronze Breasted Tom Turkey that was born with a defected leg. He has been managing to get around until this week. He can barely stand to hold himself up and is not walking at all now. It is so sad, b/c he is our family pet. He has the sweetest personality. Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes I have 2 white breastfed 3 month old hens.i die everything I see them struggle and fall.they cry so sad.im trying to brace the legs and get to straiten out but im also looking at wheel chairs.even make my own.i feel for you.turkeys make such loveable pets! I won't put mine down as long as I can gv them least a happy life as possible..Dee

 

[BoundlessLove]

Yes I have 2 white breastfed 3 month old hens.i die everything I see them struggle and fall.they cry so sad.im trying to brace the legs and get to straiten out but im also looking at wheel chairs.even make my own.i feel for you.turkeys make such loveable pets! I won't put mine down as long as I can gv them least a happy life as possible..Dee

This thread is over 15 years old. You may not get a reply.
You can start a new thread in the “Turkey” forum.
Honestly, putting it down would probably be the best for you and your turkey.
It’s good you would want to give them the best quality of life, but BB turkeys are raised as meat birds to be culled early on for food.