Turkey lieing down kicking/flopping his foot?

[inermotion]

I had my 3 weak old bronze Turkey outside today, was perfectly fine but after an hour he lied down on his belly and started kicking his feet to one side kind of like flopping, I picked him up and his head just hung down really far and he wouldn't stand up for about 2 minutes. I figured maybe he was dehydrated so I brought him into the kitchen and got him some water and he stood up for it. He is doing ok now but I have seen him do this before when he is hydrated but it has not been that bad until today when he did it. I dont know if this has to do with hydration or not or if its normal behavior? It scared me today, thought he was going to die. My last turkey died at 1 weak old, I have been trying my very best with this one and upkeeping with him, making sure he is eating and drinking, changing his bedding often, giving him time to run around outside, trying not to let him eat anything bad off the ground but he does it so quick sometimes that I cant stop him. Has anyone seen this before or know what it is? or if its normal why they do it?

 

[chickenzoo]

Not sure. Perhaps keep some poultry nutri drench in his water Encase it is a vitamin deficiency. I always keep my poults off the ground until three months old. They seem to get things really easily.

 

[markb816]

The general way you describe it sounds to be a normal grooming process that Turkeys (especially poults) involve themselves in.
Usually when a Poult is comfortable in his surroundings he will find a nice soft patch of dirt and lay on one side and kick his opposing leg. The flailing of the leg helps circulate blood and keep him cool while the dirt bath assist with parasite and itching problems the bird may have. This is not uncommon and on the contrary is indeed a positive sign that you have a healthy bird. Usually if you have more than 1 poult together you will notice these behaviors in sequence with each other. Observe to see if you notice any other type of ailments or medical issues. But probably not. This is just a turkey being a Turkey and taking a good ol' dirt or ground bath. These behaviors can also coincide with the bird spreading out one wing and laying on its side. Because poults are more agile than grown turkeys it is more common with points. A natural behavior to stay cool, clean, and relaxing at the same time. The only concern you should have is if there is more to what or how you described it. But if your birds look healthy, active, and acting otherwise normal, then your bird is doing just fine