Turkey

Histomoniasis (blackhead disease)

SignsSulfur-yellow frothy droppings, standing frozen with feathers puffed, darkened head, complete loss of appetite, may die within days

PreventionDo not keep on the same ground or in the same house as chickens. Cecal worm eggs persist in soil, so replace the soil and do not let them eat earthworms. See the vet immediately for abnormal droppings

Leg weakness / joint disorders

SignsSitting down and not moving, walking on the hocks, dragging one leg, swollen joints, legs splaying outward

PreventionAvoid rapid weight gain; do not overfeed high-protein feed. Non-slip floor and low perches. Provide enough space for exercise

Avian influenza

SignsSudden death, several birds collapsing at once, purple discoloration of the head or wattle, facial swelling, twisted neck. If suspected, report to the Livestock Hygiene Service Center

PreventionKeep wild birds and their droppings out with bird netting. Dedicated footwear and hand washing. Keep feed and water indoors, out of reach of wild birds

Infectious sinusitis

SignsSwelling under the eye with tearing and nasal discharge, swollen face with eyes that will not open, sneezing, coughing, noisy breathing

PreventionCaused by Mycoplasma. Quarantine new birds for at least 2 weeks. Improve ventilation and reduce ammonia odor and dust. See the vet early

Coccidiosis

SignsBloody or watery droppings, hunched with feathers puffed, loss of appetite; in poults, sudden weakness and death

PreventionKeep litter dry and remove droppings daily. Raise feeders and drinkers so droppings cannot get in. Avoid overcrowding

Heatstroke

SignsOpen-mouth rapid breathing, wings held away from the body and drooping, drooling, staggering, purple wattle, collapse

PreventionOn days above 30°C provide shade and airflow and place cold water in several spots. Large birds need extra care

Fighting wounds between males

PreventionIn spring breeding season keep adult males separated one per pen. If keeping several, provide escape routes and boards that block line of sight

First aidSeparate them by putting a board between them. Press gauze on bleeding from the head and wattle for 5 minutes; if the wound is deep, see the vet the same day

Leg fracture / dislocation

PreventionPerches no higher than 50 cm, with thick litter where birds jump down. Support the chest and legs when lifting

First aidDo not touch the injured leg; place in a dark box and keep still. Do not apply a splint. Use a snug box so it cannot move during transport and see the vet the same day

Breast sores (pressure ulcers)

PreventionHeavy birds sit for long periods and develop ulcers on the breast. Keep litter thick and dry and limit weight gain

First aidClean the area and move to dry litter. If it is red and swollen or oozing pus, see the vet within a few days. Do not lance it yourself

Wattle / snood laceration

PreventionRemove protruding mesh and sharp wire ends. Avoid housing adult males together, which triggers fights

First aidIt may look like a lot of blood; stay calm and press with gauze. If bleeding does not stop or the tear is large, see the vet the same day

Salmonellosis

RouteHand-to-mouth after touching droppings, eggs or coop dust

PreventionWash hands with soap after care. Keep separate footwear and clothing for the coop. Make sure children wash their hands thoroughly

Campylobacteriosis

RouteOral, via water, equipment or hands contaminated with droppings

PreventionWash drinkers daily. Do not eat or drink in the coop. If you develop diarrhea or fever, tell your doctor you keep turkeys

Avian influenza

RouteInhalation of droppings, secretions or feather dust from infected birds

PreventionDo not touch sudden deaths or multiple sick birds with bare hands; contact the Livestock Hygiene Service Center. Wear a mask and gloves when working

Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis)

RouteInhaling dust from dried droppings or nasal discharge

PreventionMist the floor before cleaning and wear a mask. If a person develops flu-like symptoms, see a doctor

Food

• Turkey feed or a high-protein poultry formula as the staple, twice daily, morning and evening
• Add leafy greens and wild plants for adults. Reduce feed for overweight birds
• Poults need a high-protein feed of about 28%. Teach them with a finger until they start eating

Water

• Replace with fresh water daily and provide several drinkers
• In summer keep drinkers in the shade and refill at least twice a day

Toys & play

• Hang a cabbage or greens for pecking
• Time in a spacious run to scratch the ground and forage
• A permanent dry sand pit for dust bathing

Nest, bed & hideout

• A large floor-level nest box with a thick layer of dry straw
• A house that blocks wind and rain and can be locked at night. At least 2 m² per bird

Bedding & litter

• Rice hulls or dry straw at least 10 cm deep. Replace when damp
• Floor of earth or concrete. Avoid slippery board floors
• Remove droppings daily; change all litter once a week

Cage / housing material

Wooden or metal house with fine wire mesh. Use bird netting as well

Size & space

House at least 2 m² per bird, plus a run of at least 10 m² more

Layout

• Thick perches no higher than 50 cm, with deep litter beneath
• Feeders and drinkers raised off the floor, at opposite ends of the house
• Partition adult males in spring so they cannot see each other

Placement notes

• Keep completely separate from where chickens are kept
• Site in a well-ventilated spot out of the afternoon sun

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Let them roam freely in the run for several hours every day
• Watch for contact with wild birds and crows while they are out
• Train them to return to the house on their own in the evening

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureAdults are comfortable at 5–25°C. Watch for heatstroke above 30°C

Humidity50–70%. Damp litter breeds mold and parasites

Summer & winter

• Summer: shade and a fan, cold water in several spots
• Winter: windbreak and thick litter. Watch for frostbite on the wattle

Nail trimming

Wear down naturally on free range. If overgrown, trim only the tips with bird nail clippers. Same for male spurs

Brushing, skin & coat care

Dust bathing is their feather care. Gently loosen soiled feathers once dry. Do not over-wet

Other care

See the vet for an overgrown or uneven beak. Raised leg scales suggest mites

Protection from predators

• Always lock them in the house at night. Guard against foxes, raccoon dogs and weasels
• Cover the run with bird netting to keep out crows and wild birds
• Dogs chase turkeys; separate them completely with fencing

Foreign-body ingestion

They peck at and swallow wire, nails, plastic and rubber bands. Clear small objects from the run. See the vet for head shaking or loss of appetite

Being stepped on

Even a large bird will break a leg if stepped on. They crowd around your feet, so check before you walk. If you step on one, do not pick it up; put it in a box and see the vet

Getting pinched

Necks, wings and legs get caught in doors and fences. Close doors slowly, keep mesh gaps under 3 cm, and if a bird is caught, pull, do not push

Falls

A fall from a high perch or from your arms injures the legs and keel. Keep perches under 50 cm. If it cannot stand after a fall, see the vet

Escape

Fences at least 1.8 m. An escaped bird does not go far; by evening it will be in a tree or hiding nearby. Call it with food and the flock's voices and catch it after dark

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving, avoid eye contact and stand quietly
2. Block its line of sight with a board or towel
3. Pin both wings to the body and lift by supporting the chest and legs
4. Return it to the house and stay away until it calms down

After the release

Wash the wound under running water and disinfect. For deep spur wounds, swelling or pus, see a doctor

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Report weight and breed, any history of contact with chickens, photos of droppings, type of feed and time of onset

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Consciousness: does it respond to your voice or touch
• Breathing: watch the chest rise and fall. About 20–30 breaths per minute at rest
• Heartbeat: put your ear to the chest. About 150–250 beats per minute

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for at least 5 minutes
• For nail or spur bleeding use styptic powder or cornstarch
• If it does not stop, keep pressing and go to the vet

Transport

• A large-dog carrier or sturdy box lined with thick towels
• Keep dark and avoid jolting; in summer place ice packs on the outside of the box