Raising turkeys can be a rewarding experience, but inevitably birds will get sick. Knowing what to do when your turkey is under the weather is key to getting them back to health quickly. This article provides an overview of common turkey illnesses, their causes, and how to treat a sick turkey.
Common Turkey Ailments and Treatments
Several diseases and conditions commonly affect turkeys. Here are some of the most frequent issues seen in backyard flocks
Histomoniasis or “Blackhead”
- Cause: Protozoan parasite
- Treatment: Medicated feed containing nitarsone
Infectious Synovitis
- Cause: Viral or bacterial infection
- Treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Limber Neck or “Botulism”
- Cause: Toxin produced by Clostridium bacteria
- Treatment: Type C polyvalent antitoxin injection and ensure access to fresh, clean water
Mycoplasma Infection
- Cause: Mycoplasma bacteria
- Treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics
For mild cases of illness, natural remedies like apple cider vinegar or garlic in the water may help boost the bird’s immune system. However, for serious infections veterinary prescribed antibiotics are usually required.
Work with an avian vet to correctly diagnose the sickness and get appropriate medication dosages for your flock. Never give turkeys drugs meant for humans or other animals, as the concentrations can be toxic.
Preventing Common Ailments
While occasionally inevitable, many common turkey illnesses can be avoided with proper management and care. Here are some tips for keeping your flock healthy:
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Buy from reputable breeders – Purchase poults from NPIP-certified flocks and quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
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Provide a balanced diet – Feed a complete diet with adequate vitamins and minerals. Avoid food with mold, toxins, or deficiencies.
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Give supplements – Offer probiotics, vitamins, electrolytes, and treats like yogurt, sprouts or greens.
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Ensure clean water – Change water daily and clean drinkers regularly to prevent transmission of bacteria.
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Practice biosecurity – Isolate sick birds, limit visitors, and disinfect equipment between uses.
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Use litter properly – Replace soiled litter regularly and avoid types prone to growing toxic molds.
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Allow access outdoors – Rotationally graze birds on fresh pasture and avoid overcrowding.
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Control pests – Keep wild birds, rodents, and insects away from feed and roosting areas.
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Check birds often – Observe for signs of illness and remove dead birds promptly.
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Reduce stress – Limit loud noises, harassment, schedule changes, and overhandling.
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Vaccinate when needed – Discuss risks with your vet and use recommended vaccines if disease is present in your area. Common options are for fowl cholera, pox, Newcastle, etc.
Following sound husbandry practices is the first line of defense against sickness. But occasionally an individual bird will still become ill. Knowing the proper treatment and care is essential to saving the life of a valued pet or breeding turkey.
Providing Supportive Care
In addition to medication, sick turkeys need extra care and attention:
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Isolate – Separate ill turkeys in a warm, safe area to prevent further spread of disease.
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Hydrate – Make sure birds are drinking. Offer electrolytes and fluids.
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Assist eating – Hand feed or tube feed if needed to keep up energy.
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Reduce stress – Allow rest in a calm environment without loud disturbances.
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Keep warm – Use a heat lamp if the bird is chilled or showing signs of low body temperature.
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Monitor closely – Watch for changes in condition and worsening symptoms.
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Clean living space – Disinfect housing between occupants and remove soiled bedding promptly.
With attentive nursing care, most birds can recover fully from common ailments. But occasionally an illness cannot be cured, and humane euthanasia becomes the kindest option. Your avian vet can help advise if this path is appropriate.
Encountering sick birds is an inevitable part of raising turkeys. But armed with knowledge of common illnesses, treatments, and preventative care, turkey keepers can take action to resolve health issues promptly. Partnering with an experienced avian vet provides important guidance tailoring care to your unique flock. With proper management, an occasional illness can just be a minor blip rather than disaster for your turkey operation. Be vigilant, act quickly, and know your treatment options when health problems arise. Your attentive efforts will keep the flock thriving for years to come.
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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 have access to ground previously used by chickens can pick up the parasite even several years after chickens have left the site.
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. Good hygiene is essential in maintaining clean dry litter, as the coccidia oocysts can be brought in on muddy boots. By the same token it is not advisable to run the birds on ground that has been previously stocked by turkeys, or which is particularly wet.
Unusual in small flocks, this is a disease that is soil-borne and can enter through damaged areas of the skin. 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 dangerous and highly infectious disease that is rare these days and very unlikely to occur in a small-scale enterprise with a good hygiene regime. Symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, discharge from the nostrils and diarrhoea, quickly followed by dead birds.
It can be contracted through the drinking water so it is important not only that the turkeys always have fresh water, but that the water containers are always kept clean.
Newcastle Disease (Fowl Pest)
This turkey disease has been practically eliminated from the UK through a nationwide vaccination programme. It can occasionally crop up so it is still advisable to know about it because it is a very serious 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.
Commonly known as bird ‘flu, this is caused by a virus and is normally carried by airborne particles from the respiratory tract, as well as by bird droppings or people carrying it on their feet or equipment. This is why it is a good idea to have a container with antiseptic liquid and a brush for cleaning boots or equipment before entering the turkeys’ area.
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.
Our Turkey Is SICK!!! [Caring For Sick Poultry]
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