Dog caught young wild turkey poult...help!

[notsooldmcdonald]

While out for a walk in the front yard with my 2 dogs, we came across a flock of turkeys and poults. One chased after them and somehow managed to get a young (three weeks or so) poult. I got it away from him, but it could not run or fly far, so I picked it up.

I'm concerned about internal injuries/wing injuries and can't bring myself to just toss it out to the wild...from whence it came, I know, but I'd like to do what I can for it.

Helpful suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks.
-Christian

 

[retsbreh]

I can't help but I know a lot of these members here can.

 

[dlhunicorn]

since this is a wild bird stress/shock is going to be a real factor here (even if there are no internal injuries stress/shock is what kills most wild birds in trying to save them)... I hope you have found a box and a quiet place (preferrably not in the house) for him to recover in. He iwill need electrolytes for the shock/stress ... dribble along beak if the bird is prostrate ... if not and able to drink on its own, just place the electrolyte water in a place the bird can reach and let it rest... you cant do anything for internal injuries (unless you can get to a vet) so give it a bit of time and after dribbling some electrolyte water along its beak (be very calm and try and move slowly so as not to startle it unnecessarily) then go away and let it rest it a quiet protected place where it will not feel vulnerable .
As you have not posted anything else on its symptoms/injuries I am afraid at this point that is all I can advise you to do.

 

[notsooldmcdonald]

I haven't wanted to examine him too closely, but his right wing seems to be a little bare. Currently he's sitting up in a cat carrier I use to transport birds. I've got the other half of the quail pen outside which is empty and could put him there. Should I fill with hay or leave the mesh?

Thanks!
-C

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[dlhunicorn]

mesh ? is that wire? I bet hed like a nice nest of fresh hay... I think you did well in not stressing him out at this point...

 

[notsooldmcdonald]

dhunicorn- thank you so much for the advice! It made me realize that wildlife trauma is more than I am equipped to handle, so I called the vet and was referred to a somewhat local (Henniker) lady who "knows a lot about turkeys". I called her, brought the chick to her (she confirmed that it had a broken wing

), and let her take it from there. She welcomed me to call later and check in.

If anyone in the Sunapee, NH area ever needs help with wild turkeys, this lady is your source!

Thanks everyone-
-C