Why does my?

[Teresaann24]

2 day old turkey chicks keep getting flipped onto their backs in the brooder? I have twice today heard frantic chirping from the turkey chicks when to check and they were flipped on their backs flipping out. I am worried this will happen at night while i am in the bed. Why are they doing this?

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

According to a study done on this exact thing, of the potential factors influencing poult flip-overs, only late hatched poults and slow genetic growth appeared to be important influences.

The heritability of the trait appeared to be low, so selection would not be very effective in reducing the occurrence of flip-overs.

Selection for increased egg production has led to changes in other traits, including body weight, fertility, average clutch length, egg weight, days lost to broodiness (Anthony et al., 1991; Nestor et al., 1996), and changes in egg composition (Nestor and Noble, 1995). From the current study, it appeared that increased occurrence of poult flip-overs was another correlated response to long-term selection for increased egg production.

 

[Teresaann24]

They both hatched on day 21...So does this mean it will die?

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Not all the time, but day 21 is WAT early for a turkey poult, that means you had your temps way too high during the incubating process, or you are mistaken the day wrong, that is 7 days early......

Chances are if they are that early they are very weak and will need alot attention to survive and if they do survive they will never get to the size they are suppose to.

Good luck on them

 

[Teresaann24]

Wow, I can't believe I said 21 days..LOL I meant 28 days they hatched the day I added up that they should hatch they didnt come early or late.