Turkey poult with swollen face - What to do?

[Mims]

Hey guys. I have a Narragansett turkey poult. He is about 3 months old. I have had him for 2 months now, with no problems. He is in a separate pen next to my chicken coop. He is penned with 3 guineas, that are around 4 months old. They do occasionally all run around together (chickens, turkeys and guineas).

I noticed the day before yesterday, that the side of his face was a little swollen, below his eye, and near his beak. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture right now. Yesterday, it was slightly more swollen. The first day I noticed it, it was the size of an oval marble, roughly. Now its about the size of an oval grape.

I don't see any injury, and he is eating, drinking, and acting normally. What could this be, and how can I fix it?

He is my first turkey, and I'm trying to learn more about them, so forgive my ignorance. I have chickens somewhat figured out by now, but no so much on turkeys yet.

I was supposed to pick up 2 females yesterday, but decided not to, until I make sure he is healthy and happy.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Without a better picture I can only make some guesses. It could be a bug bite, an injury or even fowl pox. All should heal up okay without any intervention unless you see it having troubles eating, or that it's acting sick.

 

[Mims]

Swollen side




Normal side





The swelling has gone down a little, and his behavior is normal, so I will just continue to monitor him and see what happens.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My guess would still be with a bug bite of some sort or maybe an abscess in the mouth from eating something that poked it.

 

[TJchicks]

Mine Blue Slate has the same thing but hers is on both sides of her face and its really big swollen. I don't think she can see to well. She's been like this but it got really bad yesterday!

 

[DoodleTurkey]

Could it be a sinus infection?

 

[Geri81]

Looks like to me Swollen head syndrome is a chronic disease affecting chickens and turkeys of all ages. Avian pneumovirus is a non-hemagglutinating, nonsegmented, enveloped single stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae family. Id woud be speaking to an avian vet maybe get some bloods done.