Unthrifty Tom

[aggieterpkatie]

My tom seems to be feeling under the weather. He's not free ranging as much as he usually does. He kinda just stands up by the coop or in it, and closes his eyes. He'll walk away from me if I try to get near him like normal, but he just doesn't seem to be very active. His head is pale until he gets bothered by me or a chicken, then it'll turn red like normal.

Any advice?

 

[al6517]

Keep a close watch on him and monitor his vitals, such as Poop/breathing/eyes, things like that.

AL

 

[chickenannie]

Your tom may be ill. With this heat, is he getting enough water?

Also, my tom molts at this time of year -- it starts with his tummy feathers, then gradually over about a month or two his tail feathers and side feathers and all come out. During this time his energy level is less (though not mopey like what you've described). He'll tend to just sit in the yard though, rather than walk around following the hens and displaying, which is what he does the rest of the year.

 

[Poupoulles]

CAn you give turkeys yogurt like you can chickens?

 

[chickenannie]

yup.