I got 18 poults yesterday and 3 have died alread.

[r4eboxer]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I did lose the two that were sick when I last posted. Funny thing is of the 5 I lost 4 were the same breed. I got 7 Narragansett, 4 Royal Palm, 2 Black Spanish, 3 Red, and 2 Blue Slate. 4 of the Narragansett and 1 Blue Slate have died. The others seem to be holding their own today and I haven't lost another one. It's a bummer to have lost so many Narragansett I got so many because I wanted to keep breeders and put the others on the table for the holidays. Now if I'm lucky to get a tom and hen from them I at least will have breeders but no dinner . The other breeds are eye candy and breeders for hatching eggs.

Fingers crossed that my

 

[r4eboxer]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I did lose the two that were sick when I last posted. Funny thing is of the 5 I lost 4 were the same breed. I got 7 Narragansett, 4 Royal Palm, 2 Black Spanish, 3 Red, and 2 Blue Slate. 4 of the Narragansett and 1 Blue Slate have died. The others seem to be holding their own today and I haven't lost another one. It's a bummer to have lost so many Narragansett I got so many because I wanted to keep breeders and put the others on the table for the holidays. Now if I'm lucky to get a tom and hen from them I at least will have breeders but no dinner . The other breeds are eye candy and breeders for hatching eggs.

Fingers crossed that my losses are a thing of the past.

eta: I have no idea how I posted twice, my keyboard went crazy ~~~~~

 

[nickie]

Who did you order from, and where did they ship from? I ask only because after my turkeys arrived did I find out that they shipped from across the country when I ordered from a hatchery fairly nearby. If they took a cross country trip during a cold spell they may not have been able to handle it. Not saying you did anything wrong or criticising your ship date (remember I got mine 2 weeks ago during a warm spell, thank god), but this may clue you in as to what is going on.

Also, are you using a medicated feed, sometimes (I have read) turkey started contains an antibiotic to fight salmanella in young turkeys.

I have never heard of turkey starter containing an antibiotic, the medicated feed has a coccidiostat. 

How 'dead' was the DOA?  I got a shipment once that had one dead that just reeked.  The box smelled like a dead animal to the point that I had to dispose of the dead baby before I put them in my vehicle.  I was losing a few a day until I just had 2 left.  I have always wondered if the DOA made the others sick. 

As far as the lights go, let the turkeys tell you if they are comfortable.  If they are gathered under the light and noisy, they are too cold.  If they are all out at the edges of the light. it's too warm.  You wanted them scattered throughout the area and cheeping quietly, then you know they are content. 

I read on some obscure page about salmanella in turkeys and antibiotics in their feed, I could have read it wrong or misinterpreted what was said. I was looking for answers as to why I was losing mine and how I could keep the rest healthy. That's why I included in the post that I read that.

 

[zekii]

With poults and feed I have read conflicting views about feeding medicated vesus non medicated.
Some have told me that sometimes the medicated feed is tough on the poults, and can kill them.
I opted for using non-medicated feed, and follow good cleaning practices.
We really worked hard with our newly hatch poults for a week, constantly putting their beaks in the food and water, I think they have the idea down now. We occasionally give them a mixture of
mashed egg yolk, yogurt, and crumbles, and they attack that mixture.

We did notice that poults definitely like it alot warmer than chicks, we had it close to 100F under the light and they we're liking it, but now they spread out throughout the brooder.

 

[r4eboxer]

Another poult has died. One of the Bourbon reds. I thought it looked a little lethargic yesterday but seemed to liven back up. It died a few hours ago when I was at my son's baseball game. UGH I'm at a loss. I have not heard back from the hatchery. I have two 250 watt bulbs in the bator. (it's a 4'x4' bator so they are not too hot) They all seem to be eating and drinking. I researched my feed before getting poults and bought Purina Game Bird starter 28 percent protein. I'm going to check now to see if it is medicated or not.

I did get my poults during a cold snap. It's been so warm here and the week the temp dips back to normal and freeze warnings at night is the week I got delivery. Still the temp is back up today and one still died. I'm starting to get upset. It's getting really expensive now

Frosty, the doa was still breathing when we picked it up but laying on it's back and it died by the time I had gotten it home. I really feel like the hatchery should have sent them expedited shipping overnight. I didn't even get the option. What's that saying.....oh yea LIVE AND LEARN

 

[teckkev]

I feel your pain! Reading your posts in this thread was like re-living my 1st turkey experience last year. To rub salt on your would, add the cost of the feed you have used to the cost of the birds. The hatchery looks at is at consumable merchandise sold, no refunds. Once it leaves the store, not their problem. The hatchery I deal with will not offer tips/advice either. Great reason for this forum Don't be surprised if they all die. If that happens, use this time till next year to formulate a plan. That was my problem, I knew just enough to fool myself I was ready for turkeys, lol. This year, I am keeping them inside at night in totes and let them run around outside during the warmest part of the days till the weather is warm at night. Again, sorry about your luck.. been there and it was frustrating as you are stressing in your posts.

Best of luck,
Kevin