stupid question: turkey parasites?

[ligeia]

Ok, this may sound absolutely ridiculous but are male turkeys supposed to have a large, bare, reddish butt? Do they pull their feathers out or do they naturally have no feathers there? It looks like there are feather stubs like they've been pulled out. Could this be a parasite or something?

 

[ivan3]

Normally appears to look something like a vertical pink drumhead more or less exposed depending on where they are in the molting cycle. If tips of still sheathed new feathers have blood on tips, can be sign of too many mice in the coop. If you suspect `bugs' check area with a lighted loupe.

 

[moduckman]

Dust your turkeys like you dust your chickens.