**~~>>Second Annual Cinco de Mayo Turkey Hatchathon<<~~**all poultry welcome!

[HEChicken]

My first turkey poult just hatched

We should all give a big congratulations to Sally Sunshine for Processing her first meaties yesterday!

Great Job!

Great job Sally!

It is a great step towards self-sufficiency to be able to do this.

Been absent for a while. Last Tues, we went to the store around 9:30pm, returning around 11:30, only to find one of our 1 year old puppies had suffered some slight injuries from an animal attack. Her injuries were not bad, from what we could see, but she had already gone into shock & died 2 hours later (April 17...the day before my birthday). As devastating as that has been, my 4 year old cat has some kind of fleshy growth in her nose that is interfering with her breathing. We've been hitting her with a wide spectrum of antibiotics (1 the vet prescribed & the other was by injection). There was some improvement initially, but the growth seems to be coming back. To biopsy it & take xrays, etc...is going to run me around $700. While I can handle that cost at the moment, I'm on reduced income due to being on workers comp for a back injury & have not worked for 6 months. DH is retired, but we've been making due. The cost the vet quoted is just diagnostic. Once we find out what it is, those costs will rise for treatment. I love this cat soooo very much!! I feel so helpless!
This growth may be a tumor & I have been reading about tumeric (curcumin) being something that may help. Anyone have experience with that? Overall, she seems to be acting normal again...except breathing like Darth Vader. While she has some of her appetite back, we are still force feeding her 2x/day to make sure she has enough. We also nebulize her with saline (Drs advice) for about 3-4 min after feedings.
I know this is way off topic, but I could really use some support right now. A friend suggested making a request for donations via Facebook. I am going to speak with the vet later today & ask if that can be set up so donations can go straight to the clinic.

So sorry about your puppy and your cat. I hope you are able to figure something out to help her. I know that it can be really hard when we are fond of these critters. I found myself in a similar situation a year ago with a cat who became very ill and a trip to the vet indicated acute liver failure. The diagnostics were going to cost several hundred dollars, just to find out what was wrong, but the vet said it was likely going to be one of three scenarios. Worst case, he would need to be put to sleep. Best case, he'd need to be on meds the rest of his life (at increased cost, plus stress to him, and making it harder for us to travel as we'd have to find someone willing to administer daily meds to a cat that might not enjoy it). In the end, we decided to skip the diagnostics and put him to sleep. It is not that we didn't love him - the kids were heartbroken - but that in the end we felt that was the best decision both for the cat and for our family. Whatever you decide personally, we know the decision won't be made lightly.

Getting my 600 egg bator!!!!!!!! WoOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Now you're in trouble. Hmmm...maybe its a good thing I only have two small table top incubators. For now.

Gryeyes I currently have two "hooters" on my chest

My two poults were getting around well in the incubator and I decided it was time to get them out. For now they are sitting on my chest (turns out, poults are born with very sharp little claws) so they can stay warm and hopefully get some rest.

I'm hoping to put them in my brooder tonight. I'd love to not have to set up a separate brooder for 2-3 poults, plus I'd love for the poults to have the benefit of tutors. Only problem is, my chicks are now 12 days old and quite active. I was going to do it after dark when they're all snuggled under the EcoGlow, and hope in the morning they don't notice the new arrivals but I dunno....What is everyone's thoughts on whether these babies are too little to be put in with chicks of that age?

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote:
since he was a BB the protein was too high.. I've had them die from the same thing when the protein was too high for them.. But Heritage turkeys do better on the higher protein feed... just gotta watch those broad breasted guys.. they will start out limping then keel over on you very quickly
I have a BBW poult that had funky wings when she came from the hatchery & started limping almost right away. The wings have mostly straightened out but her 1 knee is really bad & her toe tucks under on that side. I feed a mix of 22% & 18% mixed with corn, oats, sweet mix & beef chop (over 3/4 is crumbles) & she is the only bird with a problem with her legs. Pretty sure her's was poor breeding to begin with since she arrived with issues. She gets around ok, but limps really bad.

sounds like her issue is genetic.. or a niacin deficiency

bad legs on a normal weight bird (for it's age) are usually caused by a lack of niacin, bad genes, or injury like a predator attack..
but if you have a "healthy" bird that is gaining weight rapidly (which is what the high protein feeds will do) their weight will cause leg issues since the bone isn't strong enough to support their weight.. in those birds a heart attack or flip usually comes soon after their legs start having issues... some will just up and die before that if too much bulk (fat usually) builds up around their hearts

the niacin issue can show up in both heritage and broad breasted birds (as well as other poultry like emu, ducks and geese)
but "flip" from too much protein is restricted to the fast growing birds like cornish cross, some strains of the 'freedom ranger" type birds and broad breasted turkeys
Not a high protien issue & she's almost exactly the same weight as the other poult from that hatch date so either they are both way too small or they are both girls. They are about the same weight as the red broilers who are a week older & the white broilers that are 3 weeks younger. To he that says 2 hens. I had another poult in that order that had wing issues & it only lasted about 2 days. I didn't think this 1 was going to make it either, but she's a fighter. She just has a bad leg & foot. Could be niacin I guess, but I would think that would affect the other poult & all of the ducks as well & they are all fine. I use an "all-flock" style feed so it should have plenty of niacin for ducklings & poults.

Quote: Maybe slip them under the broody that just hatched the chicks that were in with these

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
since he was a BB the protein was too high.. I've had them die from the same thing when the protein was too high for them.. But Heritage turkeys do better on the higher protein feed... just gotta watch those broad breasted guys.. they will start out limping then keel over on you very quickly
I have a BBW poult that had funky wings when she came from the hatchery & started limping almost right away. The wings have mostly straightened out but her 1 knee is really bad & her toe tucks under on that side. I feed a mix of 22% & 18% mixed with corn, oats, sweet mix & beef chop (over 3/4 is crumbles) & she is the only bird with a problem with her legs. Pretty sure her's was poor breeding to begin with since she arrived with issues. She gets around ok, but limps really bad.

sounds like her issue is genetic.. or a niacin deficiency

bad legs on a normal weight bird (for it's age) are usually caused by a lack of niacin, bad genes, or injury like a predator attack..
but if you have a "healthy" bird that is gaining weight rapidly (which is what the high protein feeds will do) their weight will cause leg issues since the bone isn't strong enough to support their weight.. in those birds a heart attack or flip usually comes soon after their legs start having issues... some will just up and die before that if too much bulk (fat usually) builds up around their hearts

the niacin issue can show up in both heritage and broad breasted birds (as well as other poultry like emu, ducks and geese)
but "flip" from too much protein is restricted to the fast growing birds like cornish cross, some strains of the 'freedom ranger" type birds and broad breasted turkeys
Not a high protien issue & she's almost exactly the same weight as the other poult from that hatch date so either they are both way too small or they are both girls. They are about the same weight as the red broilers who are a week older & the white broilers that are 3 weeks younger. To he that says 2 hens. I had another poult in that order that had wing issues & it only lasted about 2 days. I didn't think this 1 was going to make it either, but she's a fighter. She just has a bad leg & foot. Could be niacin I guess, but I would think that would affect the other poult & all of the ducks as well & they are all fine. I use an "all-flock" style feed so it should have plenty of niacin for ducklings & poults.

Nope..niacin deficiency is an individual thing

From Metzer Farms
"What if only a few of my birds have leg problems? Variability within a flock is normal. Each bird varies on how well it forms niacin from tryptophan, either due to genetics or the different microflora in their gut. It would not be unusual to have a single flock of birds, with some exhibiting a niacin deficiency and others walking perfectly normally - but all eating the same feed. "

 

[chicken pickin]

So any plans on anymore picture contests guys? Ive been snapping shots of my turkeys and chickens all day doing spring clean up outside and got quite a few good shots.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote:
since he was a BB the protein was too high.. I've had them die from the same thing when the protein was too high for them.. But Heritage turkeys do better on the higher protein feed... just gotta watch those broad breasted guys.. they will start out limping then keel over on you very quickly
I have a BBW poult that had funky wings when she came from the hatchery & started limping almost right away. The wings have mostly straightened out but her 1 knee is really bad & her toe tucks under on that side. I feed a mix of 22% & 18% mixed with corn, oats, sweet mix & beef chop (over 3/4 is crumbles) & she is the only bird with a problem with her legs. Pretty sure her's was poor breeding to begin with since she arrived with issues. She gets around ok, but limps really bad.

sounds like her issue is genetic.. or a niacin deficiency

bad legs on a normal weight bird (for it's age) are usually caused by a lack of niacin, bad genes, or injury like a predator attack..
but if you have a "healthy" bird that is gaining weight rapidly (which is what the high protein feeds will do) their weight will cause leg issues since the bone isn't strong enough to support their weight.. in those birds a heart attack or flip usually comes soon after their legs start having issues... some will just up and die before that if too much bulk (fat usually) builds up around their hearts

the niacin issue can show up in both heritage and broad breasted birds (as well as other poultry like emu, ducks and geese)
but "flip" from too much protein is restricted to the fast growing birds like cornish cross, some strains of the 'freedom ranger" type birds and broad breasted turkeys
Not a high protien issue & she's almost exactly the same weight as the other poult from that hatch date so either they are both way too small or they are both girls. They are about the same weight as the red broilers who are a week older & the white broilers that are 3 weeks younger. To he that says 2 hens. I had another poult in that order that had wing issues & it only lasted about 2 days. I didn't think this 1 was going to make it either, but she's a fighter. She just has a bad leg & foot. Could be niacin I guess, but I would think that would affect the other poult & all of the ducks as well & they are all fine. I use an "all-flock" style feed so it should have plenty of niacin for ducklings & poults.

Nope..niacin deficiency is an individual thing

From Metzer Farms
"What if only a few of my birds have leg problems? Variability within a flock is normal. Each bird varies on how well it forms niacin from tryptophan, either due to genetics or the different microflora in their gut. It would not be unusual to have a single flock of birds, with some exhibiting a niacin deficiency and others walking perfectly normally - but all eating the same feed. "
Hmmmm...could be niacin then. She gets around ok for now but probably won't once she gets heavier. Kinda figured she would just end up getting processed early, or is this something that will kill her before she's big enough to process.

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
since he was a BB the protein was too high.. I've had them die from the same thing when the protein was too high for them.. But Heritage turkeys do better on the higher protein feed... just gotta watch those broad breasted guys.. they will start out limping then keel over on you very quickly
I have a BBW poult that had funky wings when she came from the hatchery & started limping almost right away. The wings have mostly straightened out but her 1 knee is really bad & her toe tucks under on that side. I feed a mix of 22% & 18% mixed with corn, oats, sweet mix & beef chop (over 3/4 is crumbles) & she is the only bird with a problem with her legs. Pretty sure her's was poor breeding to begin with since she arrived with issues. She gets around ok, but limps really bad.

sounds like her issue is genetic.. or a niacin deficiency

bad legs on a normal weight bird (for it's age) are usually caused by a lack of niacin, bad genes, or injury like a predator attack..
but if you have a "healthy" bird that is gaining weight rapidly (which is what the high protein feeds will do) their weight will cause leg issues since the bone isn't strong enough to support their weight.. in those birds a heart attack or flip usually comes soon after their legs start having issues... some will just up and die before that if too much bulk (fat usually) builds up around their hearts

the niacin issue can show up in both heritage and broad breasted birds (as well as other poultry like emu, ducks and geese)
but "flip" from too much protein is restricted to the fast growing birds like cornish cross, some strains of the 'freedom ranger" type birds and broad breasted turkeys
Not a high protien issue & she's almost exactly the same weight as the other poult from that hatch date so either they are both way too small or they are both girls. They are about the same weight as the red broilers who are a week older & the white broilers that are 3 weeks younger. To he that says 2 hens. I had another poult in that order that had wing issues & it only lasted about 2 days. I didn't think this 1 was going to make it either, but she's a fighter. She just has a bad leg & foot. Could be niacin I guess, but I would think that would affect the other poult & all of the ducks as well & they are all fine. I use an "all-flock" style feed so it should have plenty of niacin for ducklings & poults.

Nope..niacin deficiency is an individual thing

From Metzer Farms
"What if only a few of my birds have leg problems? Variability within a flock is normal. Each bird varies on how well it forms niacin from tryptophan, either due to genetics or the different microflora in their gut. It would not be unusual to have a single flock of birds, with some exhibiting a niacin deficiency and others walking perfectly normally - but all eating the same feed. "
Hmmmm...could be niacin then. She gets around ok for now but probably won't once she gets heavier. Kinda figured she would just end up getting processed early, or is this something that will kill her before she's big enough to process.

if she goes down on her legs she may very well end up dead .. if from nothing else than being able to move about and feed properly..
so long as she's still moving around ok you can try giving her extra niacin and see if you can catch it before it gets any worse... but if it's a genetic issue extra niacin won't help

 

[CayuseRanch]

Quote:
Funny you should mention that, I was thinking we really needed a Turkey photo type contest. If someone wants to run it, I would be happy to donate a prize. I don't have eggs, so I just find miscellaneous things online to buy.

 

[thebirdguy]

Funny you should mention that, I was thinking we really needed a Turkey photo type contest. If someone wants to run it, I would be happy to donate a prize. I don't have eggs, so I just find miscellaneous things online to buy.

How is that even possible?????????? I am afraid that HENN needs to coordinate a massive EB to CayuseRanch!!

 

[HEChicken]

Maybe slip them under the broody that just hatched the chicks that were in with these

This was a brilliant idea! After reading it, I took them down and showed them to broody Mama. She looked alarmed and I set them down with some trepidation, ready to snatch them back up if she showed the slightest sign of aggression. They immediately ran over to her (well, as much as a staggering drunken sailor can "run"). As they tried to get under her, she kept backing away from them, alternately making distress calls and cooing to them. For several minutes they desperately tried to keep up with her as she moved around inside the hoop coop "nursery", showing her chicks the kinds of things that can be eaten. Then she settled down to let them nap, and I grabbed the turkeys and slipped them under her. They stopped whutting, presumably to take a nap, and she settled them under and didn't seem to mind them being there at all. When nap time was over, she tried to show them how to eat from the feeder, but they didn't partake. I'm guessing having hatched only hours ago, it is not yet essential that they eat, and their main priority must be to learn how to walk without falling down. I've spent the last couple of hours with them and don't feel they are in danger from the hen - only from not being able to keep up yet. I'm really thinking that after a good night's sleep, they'll be much stronger tomorrow. Naturally I will be making sure they are tucked under her securely at bedtime, just in case, although at the last nap time they were able to find their way under her by themselves.

Meanwhile, a third was busily hatching and is now resting in the incubator. I figured the fourth egg to be a dud, so turned down the humidity to allow the duck eggs to compensate, and removed that last egg, candled to be sure and.....it peeped at me. Now THAT is the coolest thing - to be holding an egg, hearing it peep, seeing the little beak moving, feeling it tap-tap-tap against my hand. Needless to say, the humidity is now back up and it is back in. Hopefully it will hatch soon - I'd like to get these two under the hen while she is still willing to accept them.

 

[SilkieSensation]

Quote:
since he was a BB the protein was too high.. I've had them die from the same thing when the protein was too high for them.. But Heritage turkeys do better on the higher protein feed... just gotta watch those broad breasted guys.. they will start out limping then keel over on you very quickly
I have a BBW poult that had funky wings when she came from the hatchery & started limping almost right away. The wings have mostly straightened out but her 1 knee is really bad & her toe tucks under on that side. I feed a mix of 22% & 18% mixed with corn, oats, sweet mix & beef chop (over 3/4 is crumbles) & she is the only bird with a problem with her legs. Pretty sure her's was poor breeding to begin with since she arrived with issues. She gets around ok, but limps really bad.

sounds like her issue is genetic.. or a niacin deficiency

bad legs on a normal weight bird (for it's age) are usually caused by a lack of niacin, bad genes, or injury like a predator attack..
but if you have a "healthy" bird that is gaining weight rapidly (which is what the high protein feeds will do) their weight will cause leg issues since the bone isn't strong enough to support their weight.. in those birds a heart attack or flip usually comes soon after their legs start having issues... some will just up and die before that if too much bulk (fat usually) builds up around their hearts

the niacin issue can show up in both heritage and broad breasted birds (as well as other poultry like emu, ducks and geese)
but "flip" from too much protein is restricted to the fast growing birds like cornish cross, some strains of the 'freedom ranger" type birds and broad breasted turkeys
Not a high protien issue & she's almost exactly the same weight as the other poult from that hatch date so either they are both way too small or they are both girls. They are about the same weight as the red broilers who are a week older & the white broilers that are 3 weeks younger. To he that says 2 hens. I had another poult in that order that had wing issues & it only lasted about 2 days. I didn't think this 1 was going to make it either, but she's a fighter. She just has a bad leg & foot. Could be niacin I guess, but I would think that would affect the other poult & all of the ducks as well & they are all fine. I use an "all-flock" style feed so it should have plenty of niacin for ducklings & poults.

Nope..niacin deficiency is an individual thing

From Metzer Farms
"What if only a few of my birds have leg problems? Variability within a flock is normal. Each bird varies on how well it forms niacin from tryptophan, either due to genetics or the different microflora in their gut. It would not be unusual to have a single flock of birds, with some exhibiting a niacin deficiency and others walking perfectly normally - but all eating the same feed. "
Hmmmm...could be niacin then. She gets around ok for now but probably won't once she gets heavier. Kinda figured she would just end up getting processed early, or is this something that will kill her before she's big enough to process.

if she goes down on her legs she may very well end up dead .. if from nothing else than being able to move about and feed properly..
so long as she's still moving around ok you can try giving her extra niacin and see if you can catch it before it gets any worse... but if it's a genetic issue extra niacin won't help
I will have to separate her to make sure she gets the niacin. I have her in with 19 broilers & about 20 other chicks. Trying to remember what works best for niacin. Yeast

or am I not remembering right.

Quote: So glad that worked for you. Might work best to just slip the last 2 under at night so she wakes up with them there & doesn't even realize they have been added. No adjustment period needed for her to accept them then.