If your turkey is sick, the most important thing is to identify the illness and treat it appropriately. Some common turkey illnesses and treatments include:
Identifying the Illness
Here are some questions to help identify what may be wrong with your turkey:
- Is the turkey lethargic and not eating/drinking? This could indicate a viral or bacterial infection.
- Does the turkey have diarrhea? This is a sign of many different illnesses like parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
- Are there eye or nasal discharges? This points to a respiratory infection.
- Does the turkey have swelling around its head? This may mean the turkey has an infection in its sinuses.
Pay close attention to when symptoms started and how rapidly they are progressing. Sudden onset of severe symptoms likely indicates a viral or bacterial source. Slower onset of mild symptoms may mean parasites or mycoplasma bacteria. Seek veterinary help if you cannot identify the illness.
Nutritional Support
Make sure sick turkeys stay hydrated and get electrolytes. Provide clear, lukewarm water with a pinch of salt and sugar dissolved in it. Offer moist, easily digestible foods like mashed potatoes, cooked oatmeal, or soaked turkey feed.
Treating Bacterial Infections
Bacterial illnesses like paratyphoid and erysipelas require prescription antibiotics from a veterinarian. Common antibiotics used include:
- Amoxicillin
- Penicillin
- Tetracycline
- Tylosin
Give antibiotics according to your vet’s instructions. Isolate and dispose of any dead birds to prevent spread.
Supportive Care
In addition to antibiotics, continue supportive nutritional care. Electrolytes and vitamins may help sick birds recover. Sanitize the coop to remove sources of reinfection.
Treating Viral Infections
Viruses like influenza, pox, and enteritis cannot be cured with medication. Supportive care and preventing spread are important. Some tips include:
- Isolate sick birds immediately
- Wear protective clothing when handling sick birds
- Provide extra fluids and electrolytes
- Boost immune systems with vitamins
- Sanitize the coop thoroughly
The illness will have to run its course. Focus care on keeping the turkey comfortable until it recovers. Some viral infections can be prevented with vaccinations.
Supportive Care
Try giving sick birds:
- Electrolytes with vitamins dissolved in water
- Probiotics to maintain gut health
- Foods high in vitamin E like sunflower seeds
- Oregano water to stimulate appetite
Provide good nursing care while their immune systems fight off the virus.
Treating Parasites
Common external and internal turkey parasites include:
- Northern fowl mites
- Lice
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Coccidia
Parasites are treated with dewormers, mite/lice sprays, or coccidiostats added to feed/water. Talk to your veterinarian about proper dosing and treatment times.
Prevention
Prevent reinfection by:
- Removing wet litter
- Rotating pastures if raising turkeys outdoors
- Cleaning and disinfecting the coop
- Using an insecticide spray on roosts/walls
Proper sanitation and clean housing are key to parasite control.
Natural Remedies
Some people use natural options to treat sick turkeys:
| Remedy | Uses |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Antibacterial and antifungal properties, balances gut pH |
| Garlic | Antimicrobial and immune supporting |
| Oregano Oil | Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal |
| Probiotics | Supports healthy gut bacteria |
Discuss using natural remedies with your veterinarian first. While they can support health, severe illnesses need conventional treatment.
Dosages
Follow label instructions when using commercial preparations. With homemade options:
- Apple cider vinegar – Add 2 teaspoons per gallon of water
- Garlic – 1 clove per pound of feed
- Oregano oil – Add 5 drops per gallon of water
Monitor for improvements within a few days. Stop remedies if no change.
Providing Comfort Care
Make sick turkeys as comfortable as possible by:
- Giving a quiet, warm, and draft-free area
- Using deep, dry bedding
- Providing easy access to food and water
- Dimming lights to reduce stress
- Applying vapor rubs to congested nostrils
Comfort care allows the body to devote energy to healing. Isolate sick birds from the flock to let them rest.
Monitoring
Check ill turkeys at least 2-3 times daily. Look for:
- Returning appetite and energy levels
- Decreasing discharge from eyes/nose
- Firming droppings
- Healing of sores/wounds
Monitor weights and treat any complications. Call the vet if there is no improvement. Provide supportive care until the turkey fully recovers.
Preventing Illness
Promote flock health through biosecurity measures:
- Quarantine new birds for 30 days
- Restrict access to your property
- Require hand washing before working with the flock
- Scrub and disinfect equipment/transport crates
- Avoid visiting other poultry if possible
Provide adequate housing, nutrition, and vaccinations as well. A healthy flock is less prone to disease.
Routine Care
Follow these basic practices:
- Give age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworm and check for mites/lice regularly
- Clean feeders/waters weekly
- Remove wet litter promptly
- Let area rest before introducing new birds
Consistent care goes a long way towards illness prevention. Monitor turkeys for signs of sickness and treat promptly.
When to Call a Veterinarian
Contact your vet if:
- Multiple birds are showing symptoms
- Symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening
- You cannot identify the cause of illness
- Birds do not improve within 2-3 days of treatment
Letting illness progress can be fatal. Medications, lab tests, and necropsies may be needed. Listen to your vet’s treatment plan.
What to Have Ready
To help your vet determine treatment:
- Note when symptoms started and how many birds are sick
- Describe symptoms in detail
- List any treatments already given
- Provide pictures/videos if helpful
Having this informationprepared will assist your vet in making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing appropriate medication.
Conclusion
Caring for a sick turkey starts with identifying the illness through careful observation. Provide supportive nutritional care while treating the source of sickness appropriately. Work to make the turkey comfortable, prevent disease spread, and boost overall flock health. Call a veterinarian when needed to guide medical care. With prompt treatment guided by an accurate diagnosis, many sick turkeys can recover and thrive.
