Sick turkey

[R2elk]

All flock layer feed 22%protein. Vitamins minerals. Omega 3s. Brand is nature wise by nutrena. The additives (lettuce fruit veg and seed) are just a sprinkling. Pellets are the primary food source. Hope that is a clear enough answer to what I am feeding.

Do not feed layer feed to male turkeys. The high calcium levels can damage their kidneys. Layer feed should only be fed to laying hens.

I looked on Nutrena's site and they do not list an All flock layer feed with 22% protein under Nature Wise. None of their all flock feed is medicated.

 

[Sarahlynn18]

Do not feed layer feed to male turkeys. The high calcium levels can damage their kidneys. Layer feed should only be fed to laying hens.

I looked on Nutrena's site and they do not list an All flock layer feed with 22% protein under Nature Wise. None of their all flock feed is medicated.

We have a mix of all flock and layer. I picked up a bag of nutrena all flock and have moved to only feeding him this.

Still wondering if you have any idea what is going on with him?

He is able to stand a bit longer the last two days. Still in good spirits and eating and drinking.

 

[Sarahlynn18]

We have a mix of all flock and layer. I picked up a bag of nutrena all flock and have moved to only feeding him this.

Still wondering if you have any idea what is going on with him?

He is able to stand a bit longer the last two days. Still in good spirits and eating and drinking.

I wanted to include a picture of droppings for reference.

 

[R2elk]

I wanted to include a picture of droppings for reference.

Looks pretty normal to me.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He is able to stand a bit longer the last two days. Still in good spirits and eating and drinking

Have you looked over his feet well for things like bumblefoot? Broken toes, or even broken legs?

 

[Sarahlynn18]

Have you looked over his feet well for things like bumblefoot? Broken toes, or even broken legs?

No bumble foot. No broken toes or legs. He was thoroughly examined physically.

In addition there were no wounds anywhere on the body.

 

[R2elk]

@casportpony

Do you have a recommendation for an antibiotic?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

No bumble foot. No broken toes or legs. He was thoroughly examined physically.

In addition there were no wounds anywhere on the body.

I don't go by poop in turkeys because it changes so often. I've seen runny and thick, it gets green with more greens as examples. The only time I would use poop as an indicator is if there's blood in it.

Since he seems to be slowly improving, and still eats and drinks I would assume it's an injury of some sort and may take a few weeks, to months to improve enough for him to stand again. Turkeys are big heavy birds that have troubles using their legs after laying down too long. I've seen it in setting hens. They sometimes get up a bit stiff, and need a few moments for the blood to start circulating again.

There are nutritional things like slipped tendons, or perosis, that can be caused by a deficiency. You don't know what he was fed inn his first 3 months. He could of been getting a poor diet, and needs a boost. I think that's why @R2elk is asking about feeds. Poor nutrition can affect their legs, and lead to lifelong problems.

And are you sure he is a heritage? Broad breasted are notorious for leg problems if kept too long or not fed correctly due to their rapid growth.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He’s eating a medicated pellet feed, black oil sunflower seeds, fresh lettuce, fresh berries, tomatoes. Feed is amended with a brewers yeast and niacin supplement.

At his age he should most be eating a good ration formulated for turkeys. Black oil sunflower seeds will make them internally fat and especially in hens can lead to prolapse. Learned that one myself the hard way.

 

[Sarahlynn18]

I don't go by poop in turkeys because it changes so often. I've seen runny and thick, it gets green with more greens as examples. The only time I would use poop as an indicator is if there's blood in it.

Since he seems to be slowly improving, and still eats and drinks I would assume it's an injury of some sort and may take a few weeks, to months to improve enough for him to stand again. Turkeys are big heavy birds that have troubles using their legs after laying down too long. I've seen it in setting hens. They sometimes get up a bit stiff, and need a few moments for the blood to start circulating again.

There are nutritional things like slipped tendons, or perosis, that can be caused by a deficiency. You don't know what he was fed inn his first 3 months. He could of been getting a poor diet, and needs a boost. I think that's why @R2elk is asking about feeds. Poor nutrition can affect their legs, and lead to lifelong problems.

And are you sure he is a heritage? Broad breasted are notorious for leg problems if kept too long or not fed correctly due to their rapid growth.

Yes I am sure he is heritage. He is a bourbon red and Spanish black cross.

The reason I do not think it is injury (besides my checking) is that this turkey was totally fine. He laid down, isolated himself and did have diarrhea initially. He was growing and gaining weight prior to this.

Now he is very thin despite eating and drinking continually.