Raising turkeys can be a rewarding experience However, turkeys are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries As an owner, it’s important to monitor your turkey’s health and watch for signs of decline. Here are 12 warning signs that may indicate your turkey is dying.
1. Difficulty Walking
One of the most obvious signs of ill health in turkeys is difficulty walking. If your turkey is stumbling, limping, or unable to stand, it likely indicates a serious underlying issue. Possible causes include obesity, arthritis, injuries, or neurological problems. Monitor your turkey’s mobility. Sudden changes likely signal a health problem.
2. Labored Breathing
Pay close attention to your turkey’s breathing. If you notice loud wheezing, gasping, gurgling, or other signs of respiratory distress, it is very concerning. Labored breathing suggests respiratory illness, cardiovascular issues, or possibly choking. Seek veterinary care immediately.
3. Decreased Appetite
Healthy turkeys have voracious appetites. If your turkey loses interest in food and water take notice. Illness often depresses a turkey’s appetite. Ensure food and water is easily accessible. Tempt your turkey with treats. If appetite loss persists beyond 24 hours, consult your vet.
4. Lethargy
Lethargy or listlessness is never normal in turkeys. Sick turkeys tend to appear depressed and weak. They may isolate themselves from the flock. Dull, sunken eyes are another symptom. Lethargy signals your turkey feels unwell. Treat underlying illness promptly.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common symptom of many turkey illnesses. Causes include parasites, infections, poor diet, stress, etc. The presence of blood indicates serious intestinal damage. Diarrhea leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Rehydrate sick turkeys with fluids. Address the underlying issue.
6. Nasal Discharge
Any abnormal nasal discharge warrants concern. Clear discharge may indicate respiratory irritation. Thick, opaque discharge often signals infection. Left untreated, respiratory infections can be fatal. Have your vet examine your turkey and provide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
7. Swelling
Localized swelling on the head, wings or legs indicates injury or infection. Swollen eyes or sinuses occur with respiratory disease. Joint swelling is seen with arthritis and bumblefoot. Identify and treat the cause of any swelling immediately. Cold compresses help reduce inflammation.
8. Pale Comb and Wattles
The combs and wattles of sick turkeys often appear pale or discolored. Poor circulation causes the loss of normal vibrant red color. Pale combs and wattles suggest illness, anemia, or deficiencies. Supplementing vitamins can help restore color as your turkey recovers.
9. Ruffled, Patchy Feathers
Feathers should lay flat against a turkey’s body. Ruffled, messy feathers indicate your turkey feels unwell. Patchy feather loss is also concerning. Ensure they are not being bullied or pecked. Address illness, nutrition and environment. New feathers will regrow with proper care.
10. Isolation from the Flock
Social isolation is abnormal in turkeys. A turkey that removes itself from the flock likely feels sick or injured. Lonely turkeys decline rapidly. If possible, move an isolated turkey to a warm, safe indoor location. Give extra attention and care. Tempt with favorite foods and treats.
11. Weight Loss
Track your turkey’s weight over time. Rapid weight loss exceeds expected maturational changes. Illness, parasites, malnutrition and stress all cause weight loss. Weigh your turkey regularly to catch concerning losses early. Identify and address the underlying problem.
12. Inability to Stand
A turkey unable to stand is extremely ill. Once a turkey is too weak to rise, recovery is unlikely. However, restricted calories, physical therapy, padded bedding and repositioning may help prolong life. Consult your veterinarian regarding euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
Newcastle Disease (Fowl Pest)
This turkey disease has been practically eliminated from the UK through a nationwide vaccination programme. It does happen sometimes, but it’s still good to know about because it’s a very dangerous illness.
Aspergillosis fumigatus fungus is the cause of this disease. It is found in mouldy litter, hay or feed. When the spores are inhaled the fungus grows in the lungs. Young birds are most at risk. Poor brooder and hatchery conditions can cause it, hence the common name of ‘brooder pneumonia’. Humans can also be affected when it is called ‘farmer’s lung’. Symptoms are gasping and rapid breathing. Anti-fungal treatments are available but they are expensive. The best approach is prevention.
This is a virus that causes what most people call “bird flu.” It is usually spread through the air by respiratory tract particles, bird droppings, or people who carry it on their feet or equipment. Having an antiseptic container and a brush for cleaning boots or other gear before going into the turkeys’ area is a good idea because of this.
Virulent strains such as H5N1 are killers and must be notified to the authorities. If birds start to die, contact the vet immediately. Like with any other animal or pet, you should wash your hands right away after handling a turkey, even if it seems healthy.
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A once common turkey disease in turkeys it is now rare. It is caused by a protozoan parasite in the liver or caeca. It is usually picked up from land that has been previously grazed by chickens. The parasite is in the eggs of the caecum worm passed in the droppings of the chickens.
Turkeys that walk on land that chickens have been on can pick up the parasite even years after the chickens have left the area.
Symptoms include lethargy, drooping stance, lack of appetite and yellow droppings. Prevention is the best policy, keeping turkeys well away from anywhere that has been in contact with chickens.
Blackhead is likely to kill young birds very quickly, so act at once if it is suspected. An antibiotic can be added to the water and should solve the problem.
This is normally seen in young birds, and results from a protozoan parasite picked up from droppings. It is important to keep the litter clean and dry because coccidia oocysts can be brought in on muddy boots. In the same way, it’s not a good idea to run the birds on ground that has been used by turkeys before or that is very wet.
This is an unusual disease for small flocks. It is spread by soil and can get in through skin damage. It is common in sheep and pigs. Symptoms include listlessness; a swollen head, neck, joints and snood and there can be sudden death. This is a zoonotic disease transferable to humans, and the vet should be notified. Treatment is with antibiotics.
This is a very dangerous and contagious disease that doesn’t happen very often these days and probably wouldn’t happen in a small business that follows good hygiene rules. Symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, discharge from the nostrils and diarrhoea, quickly followed by dead birds.
It can be spread through drinking water, so it’s important to keep the water containers clean and make sure the turkeys always have clean water.
How to tell when a turkey is done
FAQ
What would cause a turkey to die?
How to know if a baby turkey is dying?
How can you tell if a turkey is bad?
How do you know if a Turkey is dying?
Here are 12 key things to look for to tell if your turkey may be dying. 1. Lethargy and Weakness One of the most obvious signs of a sick turkey is lethargy and weakness. Healthy turkeys are active and alert. If your turkey is spending more time sitting or lying down and seems to lack energy, it could be in distress.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Why are my turkeys dying?
So your turkeys are dying. Why is this happening, and what can be done to prevent it? Baby turkeys often die because they are not getting enough protein, they are too hot or cold (or there is a fluctuation in temperature), there is a lack of shade, they aren’t getting enough water, or because predators get to them.
What to do if a Turkey dies?
Virulent strains such as H5N1 are killers and must be notified to the authorities. If birds start to die, contact the vet immediately. As is the case with all livestock or pets, it is advisable to wash your hands immediately after handling turkeys whether they are healthy or not.
What happens if a Turkey is ill?
When turkeys feel ill, their feathers can appear ruffled messy and lackluster. The feathers may stick out in odd directions instead of laying smoothly. Sick turkeys also tend to stop preening and caring for their feathers. 3. Weight Loss Turkeys rely on eating and drinking consistently to maintain their weight.
How do you know if a Turkey is dehydrated?
The eyes may also appear sunken and dull if the turkey is dehydrated. 9. Pale or Blue Wattle The wattle on top of the turkey’s beak provides clues about circulation. A healthy wattle looks red. If it turns pale, purple, blue, or gray, the turkey is likely in poor health.