Sick turkey poult, clicking sound, swelling cheeks, shaking head, scissor beak. Help?!

[Kwalker7861]

I went to the feed store to purchase two white turkey poults. One was sick. Symptoms were scissor beak, visible cheeks swelling and sinking in, shaking head, resting often. I pointed out the “sick” turkey and they seemed to care less. I offered to take him and see what I could do.

What could this be? Or what could I do? I assumed it’d be an easy fix but I’m lost. I have googled until I can’t anymore and I haven’t found anything specific to this.

Symptoms: cheek going in and out. Like protruding out and sinking in as if when the turkey breathes, its head seems to be shaped funny, it has a crooked beak, shakes it’s head a lot, sometimes you can hear him breathing heavy, or a clicking sound when he breathes.

It eats and drinks fine, it’s pretty active. Anyone have ideas or recommendations?

 

[ladybug3698]

It sounds like he has some sort of birth defect or bone growth issue, it does not sound like some kind of disease or injury. The breathing issue is most likely related to the neck spasms. I’m glad to know that he deals well though. I don’t know if you will be able to do anything except try to help him adapt. Sorry

 

[Kwalker7861]

I just don’t want him to die, I don’t mind going the extra effort to help him anyway that I can. I find myself constantly checking on him anyway. The feed store joked about it and said if he’s made it this long he will be fine. I just didn’t know if there may be a respiratory illness that is adding to the problems or what kind of meds/vitamins may help. Thank you for the reply!

 

[Kwalker7861]

He looks strange, but he’s still the cutest little thing! This is a look from the front, his head does look deformed and his beak never closes. I assume he can only breathe out of his mouth because of how he acts.

 

[ladybug3698]

His defect may leave him susceptible to certain respiratory Illnesses, I am glad that he has a good caretaker. I knew a chicken who displayed similar symptoms, and although he did not reach his projected size, he lived a long healthy life. Also, he is adorable!