As I left my house yesterday morning my friend and I noticed what looked like a wild turkey (probably 4 months old) walking down the road near my house, we remarked on how odd it was as since moving in 12 years ago we have seen turkeys maybe twice... Didn't think much more about it but when I got home that evening and went out to gather eggs I was amazed to see the turkey in with the chickens. Mind you, its young and the chickens didn't seem to care that it was there.. I threw out some scratch grains and it came right up to me, it was then I noticed its foot was pretty mangled, My best guess is that it was caught on fencing or wire.. One of the toes is missing and the other is swollen (like 6 times its normal size) and twisted. The foot itself is very swollen. It walks with a slight limp and yes, it can run but didn't try and fly away.. From what I gather turkeys are not native to our area (they were introduced in the 60's-70's) I was told that if it has no fear then it is probably a feed store turkey that someone dumped...
We are giving it today and then plan to try and help it tonight. I thought soaking the foot in Epsom salt water and cleaning it and antibiotic cream daily?? I am not worried about the legalities as I have already checked around. Had I been home and noticed it right away I would have quarantined it but it spent the day with my very large flock, even hanging out in the coop last night. My chooks are pretty laid back and I have never had an issue with introducing new flock members so that may be why this one was allowed to enter so easily.
What would be the best treatment? I will try and get photo's later today when DH gets home, I cannot hold it and take pics at the same time.
We are giving it today and then plan to try and help it tonight. I thought soaking the foot in Epsom salt water and cleaning it and antibiotic cream daily?? I am not worried about the legalities as I have already checked around. Had I been home and noticed it right away I would have quarantined it but it spent the day with my very large flock, even hanging out in the coop last night. My chooks are pretty laid back and I have never had an issue with introducing new flock members so that may be why this one was allowed to enter so easily.
What would be the best treatment? I will try and get photo's later today when DH gets home, I cannot hold it and take pics at the same time.