Lethargic/Sick Turkey

[archsteve]

Hi all,

I have a 10-12 week old standard bronze turkey hen with a pasty butt (white/brown runny feces, no blood). She has a droopy head, and seems to fall asleep easily. I can wake her up by moving her. But, loud noises do not seem to phase her. Now she is just parked in straw, closing eyes. I gave her water by syringe, adding some red pepper and apple cider vinegar, because I don't think she was drinking. I did notice her drinking on her own a little bit later though, when the water was near her. I also separated her from other 2 turkeys (same age). They do not live with chickens (although there may be some potential for contamination). Does anybody have a thought? I'd rather not use medication, especially if I don't know for sure what I am treating. But, I am not totally opposed to it.

Thanks!

-Steve

 

[KellyHM]

I would get her on a coccidiostat ASAP if she's not already on it. You can have a vet run a fecal first if you don't want to just medicate her.

 

[bigdawg]

2 cc tylan 200 under the skin. breast area. if you have young turks you need to keep a bottle on hand at all times. 18 gauge needle.

 

[archsteve]

Thanks for the replies. I thought tylan was for respiratory illness. I am quite sure the bird doesn't have that. Actually, she is doing better tonight---a bit of barking and drinking more fluids. I gave her some coccidiostat also mixed into the water. Now, fingers crossed.

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[archsteve]

Just an update, the turkey is doing better. She is eating a bit, and definitely drinking. She is starting to chirp a bit more, and move around. Yesterday she was really hot and her under belly was wet with what seemed like sweat. She was a much more normal feeling temperature today (I feel like I am talking about a kid whose fever broke). Her poops look a bit more solid also. Hopefully she keeps improving and gets enough strength back to get fully over the hump. How long should I wait before I reintroduce? The other two turkeys still showing no signs of sickness.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

follow the instructions on the coccidiostat.

 

[archsteve]

Okay, so up to day 5. The turkey is much more alert, and eating and drinking normally. I've adjusted the meds as directed. Stools are also much more normal now. The main worrying issue though, is that she does not seem to have the strength to walk around. She just sorta stays in place, sitting down. I can prode it to move around some, but its weak. I don't know if its because muscles haven't been used in a few days or what. Any thoughts?

 

[SAHMof2]

HI there. Can you update me on your turkey? I am having issues. Thanks so much.

 

[archsteve]

We ended up putting the turkey down. I don't know what it got, but it sure seemed to have symptoms of botulism at the end. The strange thing is that the initial diarehea, depression, and lack of eating cleared up. A week of paralysis that was not getting better was just too much to keep enduring. What are your turkey's symptoms?

 

[ivan3]

Thanks for updating. Sorry your turk didn't make it. The paralysis does cut down on the list of suspects. Best of luck in the future!