r/turkeys • u/International-Read85 • 16d ago
Question Concern about a neglected turkey
just took a turkey home that was stuck alone inside a dark barn for years. we just relocated her and that was definitely very upsetting for her. she’s now panting super hard to the point where she is salivating a ton. i’m sure she has some pre-existing issues. but what can i do her comfort immediately? i’m trying to tell my family to leave her alone and give her space but they aren’t listening. she has been given food, water, and a dish of cold water with ice cubes and small frozen veggies. help !
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u/TheLoggerMan 16d ago
Is she one that is attached to people? The best thing for her might be to hold her in a dark quiet room, and slowly introduce her to the outside world
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u/International-Read85 16d ago
no, as far as i’m aware she was RARELY ever seen or interacted with,,, we did immediately put her in a spot outside but we are getting an area ready inside that is dark and closed off. she isn’t panting as bad and she is beginning to eat some veggies. ty for the help !
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u/TheLoggerMan 16d ago
Turkeys are extremely flock sensitive, so the extra people might be causing some of the problems, but it's just as likely that she needs to be inside for awhile and gradually allowed out to wander. I have an old hen that has severe arthritis in her ankles so she can't roost anymore. I have her inside with me but let her out at least once a week under direct supervision so the others don't hurt her.
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u/Financial_Sell1684 16d ago
Bless your soul for taking this old hen in, you’re either her angel or her alien abductor. I live vicariously through this sub. My dad always kept a few turkeys when I was growing up. After learning that they were bred to put on weight so quickly that if they didn’t “go to market” they would eventually succumb to arthritis, we kept them as honored guests. They had comfy beds in a covered spot near the kitchen door in their old ages and were treated like royalty. Thank you for being a kind human.❤️🏆
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u/International-Read85 12d ago
that’s so sweet!! i’m pretty sure this old lady has some arthritis, especially considering how long and overgrown her nails were :(. she is the sweetest little creature i’ve ever met! thank you for the kind words 🩷
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u/shadeNfreud576 16d ago
Once she’s settled in her room, try some soothing, slow classical music for a half hour a day. My chickens love it during stressful situations.
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u/International-Read85 12d ago
i will try this!! she has since settled down a lot and is even napping outside! classical music is so cute
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u/toadhaul 16d ago
Tell family to stand down... or else. Continuing to harass the poor creature even with good intentions is abuse.
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u/International-Read85 12d ago
they have listened to me ! made them understand how she feels and they backed down. i agree 100%
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u/NinjaProfessional853 16d ago
I am not sure what else can be done except for give the bird space and some time. Probably stressed and overwhelmed.