Sick turkey hen

Date sort Score sort
I

Izabellalew

Hatching
Nov 15, 2024
3
3
6
I’ve had my female turkey for about 5 years and about two weeks ago she started moving slowly and had ruffled feathers. I had thought it was her molt causing these symptoms but when she didn’t improve I separated her. She has a crackling when she breathes, she won’t eat much, and has ruffled feathers. She’s been weak when she stands and it seems like the dewormer and the antibiotics aren’t helping her eat more or the cough. I was wondering if anyone knows what she could have, if there’s any treatment, and how I could get her to eat more .
 
I'm sorry to hear about your turkey. The symptoms you're describing—crackling when breathing, ruffled feathers, weakness, and loss of appetite—could indicate several issues, including respiratory infections, nutritional deficiencies, or other underlying health problems.

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Veterinary Consultation: It's crucial to consult a veterinarian who specializes in poultry. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
  2. Respiratory Issues: Crackling sounds can indicate respiratory problems, which may require specific antibiotics or treatments. Conditions like infectious bronchitis or mycoplasmosis could be possible.
  3. Nutrition: To encourage her to eat, try offering:
    • Soft, moist foods (e.g., cooked rice, scrambled eggs).
    • Fresh greens or fruits.
    • High-quality poultry feed.
  4. Hydration: Ensure she has access to clean, fresh water. Dehydration can worsen her condition.
  5. Environmental Factors: Keep her in a quiet, stress-free environment. Reducing stress can help her recovery.
  6. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on her symptoms. If they worsen or new symptoms develop, seek veterinary help immediately.
  7. Isolation: Since she has been separated, continue to monitor her closely to prevent any potential spread of illness to other birds.
It's essential to act quickly, as poultry can deteriorate rapidly if they are ill.
 
Izabellalew said:
I’ve had my female turkey for about 5 years and about two weeks ago she started moving slowly and had ruffled feathers. I had thought it was her molt causing these symptoms but when she didn’t improve I separated her. She has a crackling when she breathes, she won’t eat much, and has ruffled feathers. She’s been weak when she stands and it seems like the dewormer and the antibiotics aren’t helping her eat more or the cough. I was wondering if anyone knows what she could have, if there’s any treatment, and how I could get her to eat more .
Click to expand...
Welcome to BYC

I'm sorry to hear your Turkey is not well.

If you can provide a bit more information while you wait for a the Turkey experts to offer suggestions, that would be great.

What antibiotics and dewormer did you administer (name of product, dosage and duration)?

Do you have photos of her or a video of her? For video, upload to YouTube and provide a link.

I'm tagging in @casportpony @R2elk @Huntmaster to see if they can chime in with further suggestions.
 
Wyorp Rock said:
Welcome to BYC

I'm sorry to hear your Turkey is not well.

If you can provide a bit more information while you wait for a the Turkey experts to offer suggestions, that would be great.

What antibiotics and dewormer did you administer (name of product, dosage and duration)?

Do you have photos of her or a video of her? For video, upload to YouTube and provide a link.

I'm tagging in @casportpony @R2elk @Huntmaster to see if they can chime in with further suggestions.
Click to expand...
For antibiotics I gave her Duramycin-10 tetracycline hydrochloride soluble powder for 5 days. As for the dewormer I will have to check to see what it was called. I don’t have any pictures but unfortunately she took a turn in just these couple hours and has drastically declined. She won’t stand up at all and just sleeps.
 
Just wanted to post an update, she’s still alive and she’s been doing good some days and worse others. We’re just trying to get her to eat and making her as comfortable as possible. Any suggestions are still welcome as I want her to survive this.
 
Izabellalew said:
Just wanted to post an update, she’s still alive and she’s been doing good some days and worse others. We’re just trying to get her to eat and making her as comfortable as possible. Any suggestions are still welcome as I want her to survive this.
Click to expand...
I'm glad she's still hanging in there.

I don't know much about Turkeys. Did the antibiotic seem to make a difference?

If so, you may want to try something stronger like Baytril to see if it will be more effective.
 

Similar threads

V
    • Like
Sick hen
Replies
4
Views
1K
Georgia Chickens
Hen with issues eating
Replies
7
Views
606
SomeChookLover
K
Sick hen
Replies
1
Views
681
Kathryn885
K
critically sick hen! what is wrong with her?
Replies
6
Views
359
Kiwi_The__arnevelder
G
Lethargic hen, puffed, sleepy
2
Replies
11
Views
1K
Wyorp Rock

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom