Weirdly sitting turkey poult

[Razz Gavin]

I just bought a new baby turkey today, and I've noticed it has a strange sitting habit. This is only the second turkey I've owned, but I don't remember my first one ever doing this when she was a baby



He/she constantly leans back like this unless perched on my hand or sitting in my lap or on my shoulder. He also moves around with his legs still like this without fully standing up. I've seen him stand, so I know he can do it, but I just want to be sure it isn't a sign of future problems. It may just be a weird habit he picked up, but better safe than sorry

 

[ivan3]

`walking' on hocks = `creeper' could be vitamin D deficiency - easily enough ruled out - one drop of Polyvisol Enfamil (without iron) three times a day for a week and then taper off. However, could be genetic propensity to joint `overgrowth' or malformation. When you pick the poor guy up do the legs straighten out completely (hang down with some ability to move at ankles)? Keep it on soft, nonslick bedding and carry it around with legs hanging down between your fingers, when you can. With any luck the vitamins and the intermittent extension will help. Sometimes this method works, but often it does not.

Might find some more ideas, here: https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

Good luck!

 

[Razz Gavin]

When I pick him up he completely straightens his legs most of the time because he's not used to it and has a really strong push when he's trying to get out of my hands, and I've seen him stand and walk normally. If he's sitting strange tomorrow as well then I'll look into trying out that Polyvisol Enfamil just in case

 

[Megann]

Do his legs splay? I agree with the vitamin deficiency as well. What % protein feed are you feeding him?

 

[Razz Gavin]

His legs don't splay at all and I just got him so I have no idea what he's been fed his whole life.

Update: I believe he's fine. He's resting as a normal bird does now. I believe he was just stressed after changing homes and was unable to fully relax, but now he looks like he's getting better

 

[tonyb905]

I hate hijack this post. Can't seem to start my own thread right now. My turkey is doing the same thing except it's much older. When I got it, it was about a week old and was walking and running fine. I just bought a game bird feed and vitamin electrolyte pills for the water. It has the curled toes and the splayed legs. I made splints for the feet and tried to band the legs together. Took the band off because it would just lay on its side, since then it will splay its legs and just lay there. It seems like it doesn't have the strength to stand on its own. Please help.

 

[ivan3]

...

I hate hijack this post. Can't seem to start my own thread right now. My turkey is doing the same thing except it's much older. When I got it, it was about a week old and was walking and running fine. I just bought a game bird feed and vitamin electrolyte pills for the water. It has the curled toes and the splayed legs. I made splints for the feet and tried to band the legs together. Took the band off because it would just lay on its side, since then it will splay its legs and just lay there. It seems like it doesn't have the strength to stand on its own. Please help.[/quote


Welcome. Sorry for delay in answering. Sometimes this will show up a little later if brooding temp has been too low. Also, it is possible too high a temp. during ~third week of incubation can cause leg and foot problems to appear during the first month. All I can suggest is examining info. in link from my post, above. We've had very little luck correcting this sort of condition over the long term.

Hope for the best!