Is it possible to keep a turkey poult alive?

[n2y2]

I've raised scores of chickens and ducks from day-old to adult and never had a single case or morbidity.

This year, I tried my hand at turkeys, and 2 of 3 have died and the third is not eating. They appear healthy, warm and lively, then they just stop eating and die in a few hours. There is no outward signs of sickness. They are about a week old.

I've exhausted the online resources I can find on the topic. I tried regular water then pedialite. I've tried adjusting the heat. I've put shinny marbles in their food and water to attract attention. They have specialized turkey starter food.

Any suggestions out there for saving the last one?

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. Sorry for your losses.
It sounds like Histomoniasis aka Blackhead which is deadly to turkeys. It's always best to keep turkeys separated away from chickens and/or the same soil where chickens have been located. Here's a link for you to read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackhead_disease

 

[n2y2]

I guess it could be, but the poults don't have any of the symptoms - other than not eating.

The remaining poult is doing great - as long as I hand feed him. He won't eat anything unless it is sitting on my fingers. The little guy will not eat out of his feeder even when my fingers are touching the food. It is quite inconvenient to try to keep a squawking chick satiated by hand.