Dead turkey please help

[MHarty]

Hi all,

I need input on what to do next to make sure my other turkeys and chickens are ok.

Today one of my toms died completely unexpectedly. I knew someone was having yellow loose poop, but didn’t know who, I thought it might be one of the chickens because it was eating turkey food, super high in protein.

He was sitting last night, and this morning, more lethargic, and I just went out to the barn and he’s dead.

I’m wondering if it’s blackhead? He didn’t have any other symptoms, but I’m afraid for the rest of my birds and wonder if anyone can tell me what the best course of action is- should I treat anyone else for blackhead? To be safe? No one else is acting odd.

Thank you for any advice.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It could be as simple as a heart attack.
There is no way to know which of the 100+ possible causes were responsible without a necropsy/lab work. What state are you in?

 

[Grits&Eggs]

so sorry for your loss! always hurts to lose one - hugs.

 

[MHarty]

It could be as simple as a heart attack.
There is no way to know which of the 100+ possible causes were responsible without a necropsy/lab work. What state are you in?

I’m in New York.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry for your loss. It’s always so hard.....
Bear hugs!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Blackhead can be a problem in turkeys raised near chickens. The poop from blackhead may be bright yellow. A necropsy by your state vet could get a diagnosis of what the cause was. Blackhead is treated by worming to remove cecal worms, and fenbendazole is used, 0.25 ml per pound for 3 straight days. Also, metronidazole (you can buy Fish Zole online easily) is used to treat blackhead.

Since you don’t know really what killed her, you might also consider coccidiosis or some other problem. A vet can do a fecal float to look for coccidiosis or cecal worms. But a necropsy would be the best way to know. @casportpony is experienced with blackhead in turkeys, so she might look in. Sorry for your loss.

Here is some reading about blackhead:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/histomoniasis/overview-of-histomoniasis-in-poultry

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here's your diagnostic lab where you can send your bird for the necropsy.
If you call them, they'll tell you how they want it sent and may send you a FedEx label.

Animal Health Diagnostic Center
College of Vet Med, Cornell University
240 Farrier Road
Ithaca, New York 14853-8002
Phone: 607-253-3900