Turkey Newbie-Wing feather question

[farm_mom]

My Narragansett Turkey poults are nearing two weeks of age and I've noticed that some hold their wing feathers close to their bodies, like a chick would....

And some seem to hang away from the body, like this....

Is this normal? I just want to be sure I'm not dealing with a genetic issue or vitamin defiency or something. Thanks!

 

[chickenman7]

idk but don't listen to me.Turkeys are my favorite animals, but I can never get them to live to adulthood

 

[silkieluver_07]

sometimes our poults will do that when they are too hot. Maybe that is the problem? Hope this helps a little bit

 

[farm_mom]

Awww, that's so sad chickenman!

(And a little frightening to a newbie!) I can see why they are your favorites, they have wonderful personalities, and soooo friendly. In fact, I had to take these pics stealthily, because if you put your hand in the brooder you're swarmed! Turkey faces all up in the camera lens!

silkieluver, yes, I can see why you would suggest that. They seem perfectly comfortable, in fact, they're so quiet, no one would ever know we have them!!

I guess what concerns me is the ones with the hanging wings seem not to be able to ever pull them in or move them about much really, they just kind of hang there limp. And I have quite a few like this.

 

[farm_mom]

And I should clarify that it's not the entire wing, it's just the bottom feather or two, they seem larger than the rest of the wing feathers as well. They've been like that since the first couple days we got them.

 

[brewmiss96]

I've noticed with mine that at first it seems like they are folding their wings wrong, with the flight feathers inside the secondaries, and yes I did worry about it too. But my 4.5 wk old is fine now, even hop-flying around and he folds them normally. I think the primary flight feathers come in first and they don't quite fit with the baby secondaries, so there's this odd outward-foldy thing that happens. Just my thoughts. I am seeing the same sort of fold in my 3-d.o. Narragansett too.

 

[fancyfowl4ever]

That is called angle wing, in chickens and turkeys it usually goes away on its own within a matter of days. If it doesn't tape the wings in the right position for a few days, since it is caused by weak tendons in the wings that have trouble holding the newer, heavier feathers in its place.

 

[silkiechicken]

Looks like the start of angle wing to me too. I had three turkey poults, but the one with angle wing died for no good reason. Just up and died right under the lamp, good one moment, gone the next. Now I have two toms. 6.5 weeks old, and 5.5 lbs! (Mine are bb bronze)

 

[farm_mom]

Thank you so much guys!! Since they've been like this for awhile, I'll try the tape. Thanks again!

 

[mtnchicks]

I don't want to contradict anyone, esp. silkiechicken, but it may be normal. I'm new to turkeys also, but the guys at my feed store are wonderful. When I asked them, they said it was normal. I picked up two of my poults one week, and two the next, and about half of all of the poults ( dozens) were like that. This was three different shipments (not sure which hatchery), and the guys there said the "turkey people" (people that get their turkeys from them every year) said it is normal development. I have two with their feathers held away and two with them close to the bodies. I am sure one of BYC's turkey experts will give us an answer soon. Not that I don't trust your advice, silkiechicken! I have relied on it for a long time. I don't post often, but I read almost daily.