Help! I bought two turkeys and they both can’t walk :(

[Chicken_Mo]

Hello! I’m new to raising turkeys and I thought I’d try it out since I had the space. (Note: I also have chickens but they are in a separate pen as of right now) These turkeys seemed happy and healthy up until recently when the one was unable to walk. It’s able to eat and drink but unable to walk. I looked to see if it possible hurt itself by trying to jump out of its box but it doesn’t seem like it has. 2 days passed and my friend and I decided to look at it again because it was still unable to walk. We noticed that the top of its legs looked swollen. We don’t really know what to do and now the other turkey seems like it’s starting to have the same problem. Any suggestions of what I can do or try?

 

[R2elk]

Hello! I’m new to raising turkeys and I thought I’d try it out since I had the space. (Note: I also have chickens but they are in a separate pen as of right now) These turkeys seemed happy and healthy up until recently when the one was unable to walk. It’s able to eat and drink but unable to walk. I looked to see if it possible hurt itself by trying to jump out of its box but it doesn’t seem like it has. 2 days passed and my friend and I decided to look at it again because it was still unable to walk. We noticed that the top of its legs looked swollen. We don’t really know what to do and now the other turkey seems like it’s starting to have the same problem. Any suggestions of what I can do or try?

Post pictures. I suspect that you bought some broad breasted turkeys and they can be prone to leg and heart issues.

 

[Chicken_Mo]

Sorry it’s a bit dirty I just got done cleaning it’s box. Also something I forgot to include was it’s legs are kind of turned to the side a bit.

 

[R2elk]

Sorry it’s a bit dirty I just got done cleaning it’s box. Also something I forgot to include was it’s legs are kind of turned to the side a bit.

What are you feeding them and if you know, what were they being fed?

 

[Chicken_Mo]

They have been eating Nature Wise chick starter feed (crumbles) and I dont know what feed they were given in the store.

 

[R2elk]

They have been eating Nature Wise chick starter feed (crumbles) and I don't know what feed they were given in the store.

I believe that is your problem. Chick starter does not have the high protein content that turkey poults need. It also does not have the higher percentages of lysine, methionine and niacin that the poults need for proper development. I feed my poults a 28% protein turkey or gamebird starter that is formulated with the proper amounts of lysine, methionine and niacin.

You might do a search in the Ducks forum to see how they treat a niacin deficiency. You can also crumble up hard boiled eggs to feed them. They really do need a quality turkey starter feed.

 

[Chicken_Mo]

Would this be ok to get for them?

 

[R2elk]

Would this be ok to get for them?

That is not turkey starter and does not have the proper levels of protein or lysine, methionine and niacin.

 

[feedman77]

Since your name ends in mo assuming from Missouri.

If so check tsc stores for turkey startena is 30 percent protein. It is a Purina feed. Any Purina dealer should be able to order it if it's not in stock.

 

[Chicken_Mo]

No I live in PA my one chicken is named Mo lol and can you recommend me a feed please?