HELP

[cowanchickens]

Four of my young adult guinea fowl and two of my male turkeys suddenly died today. My female turkey is currently lethargic and holding her wings down. I think she may die soon. More guineas are lethargic too. One of the guineas that died was sitting on the ground just seeming a little sick and suddenly had what looked like a seizure and yellow liquid came out of its mouth, then it died. None of my chickens, ducks, or geese are affected (yet). I’ve researched so much and I can’t find anything. One of the turkeys had blood coming from his mouth when I found him dead. I don’t know what to do. Please help.

 

[Yardmom]

Were there signs of illness before they died? Could they have eaten something toxic?

 

[cowanchickens]

Were there signs of illness before they died? Could they have eaten something toxic?

Everyone was perfectly fine yesterday and last night. This morning when I went to let everyone out, a turkey and 2 guineas had died. And now, today, they have been dropping like flies. Everyone is free range so the guineas go everywhere. But the first turkey that died would never leave the fence. So I don’t think he would’ve been exposed to something toxic. We haven’t changed any foods or changed routine at all. So, I’m not sure if it could be something toxic or not.

 

[kattabelly]

Lots of birds dying suddenly could be HPAI (bird flu).

Do you know if / to what extent it's present in your area, at the moment?

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Could they have been poisoned or eaten moldy feed? I don’t know much about turkeys or guinea fowl, but if you could send 1-2 bodies to the state vet they could do a necropsy to get a diagnosis. Here is a list of state vets to contact in the morning, and how to keep the body cold:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...EvjseOof9cvvxpuNU-RS3AYDRDFsqyJ4vXy4TZx5Q58ld

 

[cowanchickens]

Sorry for your loss. Could they have been poisoned or eaten moldy feed? I don’t know much about turkeys or guinea fowl, but if you could send 1-2 bodies to the state vet they could do a necropsy to get a diagnosis. Here is a list of state vets to contact in the morning, and how to keep the body cold:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...EvjseOof9cvvxpuNU-RS3AYDRDFsqyJ4vXy4TZx5Q58ld

Thank you for the link. I don’t think it was poison or moldy feed. We always have fresh food for them.

 

[cowanchickens]

Lots of birds dying suddenly could be HPAI (bird flu).

Do you know if / to what extent it's present in your area, at the moment?

I just searched it and it says it has been prevalent in my area in 2025. This could be the cause. But I don’t know how it’s only affecting my guineas and turkeys.

 

[kattabelly]

I just searched it and it says it has been prevalent in my area in 2025. This could be the cause. But I don’t know how it’s only affecting my guineas and turkeys.

Could maybe just be that they're more susceptible, or deteriorate faster than other species. I know wild waterfowl can be carriers and spread the disease while showing few or no symptoms themselves, so the same is likely true - at least to some extent - for domesticated waterfowl.

I agree you should look at getting one or two necropsied.

 

[cowanchickens]

Could maybe just be that they're more susceptible, or deteriorate faster than other species. I know wild waterfowl can be carriers and spread the disease while showing few or no symptoms themselves, so the same is likely true - at least to some extent - for domesticated waterfowl.

I agree you should look at getting one or two necropsied.

Maybe. I am going today to drop off some guineas and a turkey to get necropsied. Thank you for the help!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Let us know when you hear back.