Rescue turkey

[possum girl]

Hi to all!! I just took in an 8yr old rescue turkey. He looks to be a bronze breasted boy. He was already limping when he got here and now he's struggling to get around. Leg is swollen now too. I have learned (the hard way ) how easily they can get stressed. Is there a medicine/supplement I can give him or should I give him a few days to settle in before I worry too much?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Often broad breasted do not live long due to their weight. Either their hearts give out or their legs. He may never get up again. Time will tell. People have had luck keeping them alive longer by keeping them on a diet and encouraging exercise.

Have you checked his leg for wounds, especially on the bottom of the foot? Otherwise rest. One of my heritage toms injured a leg last spring and he's finally better a year later so healing can take time.

 

[possum girl]

I started doing some research after posting this and it seems they do have a lot of issues with their legs because of the weight. I don't see any obvious wounds on his legs. The swelling was a little better last night and he's a bit more active today. Will be starting him on a veggie diet today and see if that helps. Poor old guy, just want him to be comfortable for whatever time he has left. Thank you for your response!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I started doing some research after posting this and it seems they do have a lot of issues with their legs because of the weight. I don't see any obvious wounds on his legs. The swelling was a little better last night and he's a bit more active today. Will be starting him on a veggie diet today and see if that helps. Poor old guy, just want him to be comfortable for whatever time he has left. Thank you for your response!!

You could try some physical therapy with him in the mean time. I don't how heavy he is, but moving his legs or even making him a sling to use for a short time daily may help. All you can do it try. Good luck.

 

[Noellereagan]

I make all 9 of my BBs walk with me daily. Aside from occasional aches and pains and stiffness and rarely limping - we’re doing good. Just be careful not to cut all of his protein, lysine etc.

 

[Dougtheiceman]

I just got today a pair of Bourbon Red turkeys hen and Tom. Then lady I got her from said that a dog got ahold of the hen. When we got them into the run at out place we could she the left leg she doesn’t want to put any weight on it. I’m going to get a better look at her tomorrow. She is not use to the new place. The Tom is one years old and the hen is two years old