My turkey has swollen warts!

[Truscifi]

One of my turkeys has swollen warts on her head and neck. I thought maybe it is fowl pox but they aren't black or crusty or weepy, and they aren't blocking eyes or beak. She is foraging well. None of the others appear to be affected. What's wrong with my girl?


It is hard to see but she wouldn't stand still for pictures this morning. She was busy chasing bugs.

 

[loveourbirds]

can you get a good picture of the head of the turkey?

im guessing your problem is that she is a tom.

 

[ivan3]

That's almost certainly Dry Pox (can see it in enlarged shot along R side of neck). They bulge up and then scab over when they start weeping. You can daub betadine on the `bumps' and just keep an eye out for others with more serious involvement (we had some with only a single pock and some that were rendered nearly blind - one developed the wet form and died).

Posted some shots up here, for comparison: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/134230/hope-this-saves-a-turkey-from-blackhead/80

The Dry form pretty much resolves without any lasting damage.

 

[loveourbirds]

That's almost certainly Dry Pox (can see it in enlarged shot along R side of neck). They bulge up and then scab over when they start weeping. You can daub betadine on the `bumps' and just keep an eye out for others with more serious involvement (we had some with only a single pock and some that were rendered nearly blind - one developed the wet form and died).

Posted some shots up here, for comparison: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/134230/hope-this-saves-a-turkey-from-blackhead/80

The Dry form pretty much resolves without any lasting damage.

i think i do see what your talking about, and yes i agree it does look like possible dry pox.

 

[chicken pickin]

I was thinking most likely dry pox also.

 

[Truscifi]

I will try to get a better pic this afternoon, but for now I'll assume dry pox and just keep an eye on them. These are meat turkeys, not ready for a few months yet. Will this affect the meat?

 

[chicken pickin]

I will try to get a better pic this afternoon, but for now I'll assume dry pox and just keep an eye on them. These are meat turkeys, not ready for a few months yet. Will this affect the meat?

No, Im pretty sure you can still consume them with no problem.