Turkey Talk for 2014

[TurnipTruck]

Thank you all for your input on my gimpy turkey.

I did some more checking and he doesn't appear to have any abnormal coloring, stiffness or other visible injuries. However, the hip on the injured side seems to be a bit looser than the other. That and the fact he is limping seem to be about all that is out of the ordinary. So, I'm guessing it is a hip problem.

Any ideas on what I should do to treat it?

At this point, I've just kept him in my enclosed run (about 400 sf) and let him be.

 

[Sydney Acres]

Thank you all for your input on my gimpy turkey.

I did some more checking and he doesn't appear to have any abnormal coloring, stiffness or other visible injuries. However, the hip on the injured side seems to be a bit looser than the other. That and the fact he is limping seem to be about all that is out of the ordinary. So, I'm guessing it is a hip problem.

Any ideas on what I should do to treat it?

At this point, I've just kept him in my enclosed run (about 400 sf) and let him be.

What do you mean by "a bit looser?" Is it slipping out of joint with an obvious click that you can either hear or feel? Does it have a greater range of motion than the other side? Does it grind when you move it? Or is there more laxity of movement within the joint without slipping out of joint?

If it truly is a hip injury, exercise restriction is about all you can do short of prescription anti-inflammatories and surgery. Splinting the lower part of the leg could actually put more pressure on the hip and pelvic muscles, and make the situation worse.

 

[TurnipTruck]

What do you mean by "a bit looser?" Is it slipping out of joint with an obvious click that you can either hear or feel? Does it have a greater range of motion than the other side? Does it grind when you move it? Or is there more laxity of movement within the joint without slipping out of joint?

If it truly is a hip injury, exercise restriction is about all you can do short of prescription anti-inflammatories and surgery. Splinting the lower part of the leg could actually put more pressure on the hip and pelvic muscles, and make the situation worse.

The injured hip hangs a little lower, possibly out of joint. I don't see or feel any clicks or grinding. It just generally seems to have a larger range of motion than any of my other turkeys, or even the other leg on this one.

I have put him in a smaller isolation pen. I will keep him penned up for a few days and then reevaluate. Unless of course you have some other tips or suggestions.

 

[Turkeytruff]

So my poor blind blue slate turkey hen Helen was mated again yesterday and has huge deep scoring under her wings. I caught her and with my husband's help managed to wash them out a bit, not disturbing the clots, & smeared on the cream that Beekissed told us about last year. I am keeping her in the turkey tractor for a few days -poor thing I feel so bad for her.

 

[PalmRoyal]

So my poor blind blue slate turkey hen Helen was mated again yesterday and has huge deep scoring under her wings. I caught her and with my husband's help managed to wash them out a bit, not disturbing the clots, & smeared on the cream that Beekissed told us about last year. I am keeping her in the turkey tractor for a few days -poor thing I feel so bad for her.

Have you ever thought about getting a turkey apron made for her? I hand make mine so that it covers their sides more than most of the ones I find on eBay and on here. It costs about $2 to make one.

 

[TattooedMama]

Hey guys, anyone know where I could get some blue slate or royal palm hatching eggs? I had some lined up but the seller's hens went broody and now I'm out of luck. I can't find more for sale anywhere! At this point I'm almost willing to take any breed besides eastern wild.

If you hadn't found anything yet, Arielle has a great deal BIN on Bourbon Red eggs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/754060/the-new-crazy-24hr-auction-thread/8040#post_13782693

 

[Turkeytruff]

Palm royal Thank you for this remark do you have a pattern I can use or a website where I can make one? Thank you!

 

[PalmRoyal]

Palm royal Thank you for this remark do you have a pattern I can use or a website where I can make one? Thank you!

I made mine specifically for my Royal Palms, so they are for much smaller turkeys. However, I can see if I can take a picture of one. To make everything, you will need elastic, fabric, cheap batting, sewing machine, elastic and velcro. What I suggest is taking two connected paper towels, lay them over your hen (if she is calm enough) and mark on it with a marker (it transfers the ink better, with barely any pressure) of her basic dimensions. When you get the fabric, cut it 1/4" bigger than the pattern you made so when you sew it, its still the correct size.


This is the finished product.


The back of the finished product.


The elastic where it connects under the armpit.


How the velcro is attached.


Where we turned it inside out, inserted the batting, then sewed around the edge to secure the batting. The rest was sewn around the edge, then turned inside out. This part, we just tucked it inside, pinned it, then when we sewed around the inside, securing the batting and creating an edge, it secured those little parts.


Posie and Poppy wearing their aprons. The other three are having their elastic being shortened so that they fit a little bit tighter. You DO NOT want these loose around their wings. You want it fitting kind of tight.

EDIT: If you know someone with a Janome or some embroidery machine, you can put their names on it like we did. However, putting, "IF FOUND, PLEASE CONTACT XXXXXX AT (123) 456-7890" in vright lettering that is east to see is always a good idea. When a hen gets out, and as flighty as they are, having something on them to deter hunters and let your neighbors know she is your's is always nice.

 

[chickadoodles]

Quote: I love your hens aprons! You did a wonderful job of making them and such bright colors. I was wondering how to make some for my girls when they get older. Thanks for sharing!

 

[memphis]

The "If Found" information idea is great!! Love it!