What killed my turkey

[vaiger]

I have four 9 week old white turkeys. When I went down to water them today, one was dead. When I picked it up, I moved feathers around and noticed what looked to be bloody diarrhea. Also, when I picked it up by the legs, fluid ran out of its mouth (sort of white-ish).

This is my first time raising turkeys. I have raised layers and CX's but have never had anything like this happen.

Any thoughts on what killed it and how I can protect my other birds?

 

[ivan3]

Sorry about the turk. Just some questions that might help pinpoint the cause: Are they on medicated starter? Are they heritage or Broad Breasted? Are they in a predator proof enclosure? How is the appetite, quality of the droppings and behavior (wings hanging down, low activity) of the others? Did you hatch them, receive from breeder/sale or arrived from commercial hatchery?

 

[vaiger]

BB turkey bought day old from hatchery. Nine weeks old now. Was not raised on medicated starter. I don't medicate my CX birds and did not medicate these either. Have never had a problem until now. The four birds were in a very large predetor proof pen, but they have been let out to free range occasionally. The survivors look great. Energy, etc. seems to be very good. Never noticed any problem at all until this one was found dead.

 

[ivan3]

Thanks for the info.

Since the onset/course was rapid and the other turks are unaffected I'd probably not look immediately at this: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/200800.htm

As it was BB and sudden, I'd wonder about something like this: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/200300.htm

Without a necroscopy it is a guessing game most of the time.

Sure hope the rest remain healthy, if this happens again you might want to perform a gross necroscopy yourself.

Good luck! (maybe someone else will be along to offer something more definitive).