droopy necked baby

[mamalaoshi]

I have a turkey poult that hatched about three weeks ago. When he was a week old, I found him on his back. I've been hand feeding him though I do see him eating on his own too. I don't see him on his back anymore but he walks with his head barely skimming the ground. (for some reason, it's not letting me post pictures) So his body is upright and his neck is hanging straight down with his head level to the ground. After he eats, he walks upright for a little while. He also has a hard time balancing and holds out his wings when he walks sometimes. Out of 12 babies, he is the only one having any issues. I separated him from the others, keeping three of the smallest babies with him.

Any ideas what is wrong?

 

[GitaBooks]

It sounds like a neurological condition. Try your best to get vitamins into him, but if it is genetic there is probably nothing you can do. Keep him warm, well fed and hydrated and hopefully he will heal up soon.

Best of luck!

 

[mamalaoshi]

Thanks!

 

[mamalaoshi]

I bought some special high protein feed this week (our regular feed store didn't carry it) and all of a sudden the little guy is standing up straight and not wobbling. The other chicks were always healthy but they are growing a lot faster now. Hopefully this solves the problem- or maybe it's just helping him be strong enough to fight whatever is the real problem.

 

[GitaBooks]

I bought some special high protein feed this week (our regular feed store didn't carry it) and all of a sudden the little guy is standing up straight and not wobbling. The other chicks were always healthy but they are growing a lot faster now. Hopefully this solves the problem- or maybe it's just helping him be strong enough to fight whatever is the real problem.

I'm glad he seems to be getting better!

 

[mamalaoshi]

Just an update... The baby eventually got so healthy I couldn't tell him from the other turkeys.

 

[memphis]

That's great! Post pictures! !

 

[mamalaoshi]

I should have taken a picture but I sold them when my mama turkeys started sitting another batch at the end of the summer.