Caring for Your Sick Turkey: Treatments and Prevention

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:

• Buy from reputable breeders – Purchase poults from NPIP-certified flocks and quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
• Provide a balanced diet – Feed a complete diet with adequate vitamins and minerals. Avoid food with mold, toxins, or deficiencies.
• Give supplements – Offer probiotics, vitamins, electrolytes, and treats like yogurt, sprouts or greens.
• Ensure clean water – Change water daily and clean drinkers regularly to prevent transmission of bacteria.
• Practice biosecurity – Isolate sick birds, limit visitors, and disinfect equipment between uses.
• Use litter properly – Replace soiled litter regularly and avoid types prone to growing toxic molds.
• Allow access outdoors – Rotationally graze birds on fresh pasture and avoid overcrowding.
• Control pests – Keep wild birds, rodents, and insects away from feed and roosting areas.
• Check birds often – Observe for signs of illness and remove dead birds promptly.
• Reduce stress – Limit loud noises, harassment, schedule changes, and overhandling.
• 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:

• Isolate – Separate ill turkeys in a warm, safe area to prevent further spread of disease.
• Hydrate – Make sure birds are drinking. Offer electrolytes and fluids.
• Assist eating – Hand feed or tube feed if needed to keep up energy.
• Reduce stress – Allow rest in a calm environment without loud disturbances.
• Keep warm – Use a heat lamp if the bird is chilled or showing signs of low body temperature.
• Monitor closely – Watch for changes in condition and worsening symptoms.
• 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.