More Poult Pics

As promised here are some more pics of the new poults!

The third one, lying on its side had me worried to start with. As this is the one that got its knee stuck in the grid tray of the incubator. Not that you can tell from these pics (due to the light exposure caused by their lamp) but the one with the sore knee is the darker colouring (there's one light one), but with less markings on its head.

It is obviously still causing it some discomfort, as it lies sprawled on its side, legs out straight. And has a little limp when it's wandering around... I guess the main thing is, it's wandering around.

Injured Poult, resting

We did take out the usual excess begging to make it easier for this little one to get about. And was relieved to see it get up from this position all on its own.- The last thing I wanted was for it too roll on its side and not be able to get up, especially if it were under the lamp and too hot or something.

So will maintain progress reports on all these little ones.

 

Turkey poults progress to brooder box

Well I moved the turkeys into the brooder box this morning. Having cleaned the chicks and Lucy out, sterilised all the waterers and feeders- and shuffling them around. The 3 turkey poults have a lovely warm and cosy (temporary) home.

I was a little concerned about one of them. As when I got home from work (and eagerly) checked on them. One was rather vocal, and it immediately became apparent why. It's knee was wedged in the base tray of the incubator! I managed to release it (within minimal protest from the bird) but I was concerned as to how injured it may have been, or how long it had been like it.

This little one was not as active as the other two, though when I picked it up, it had full motion of the leg and grip of the toes, just seemed reluctant to hold its body wait. But then I would be too, as no doubt even if it was 'uninjured' in a permanent sense, it would still be bruised or sore. But this morning I was relieved to see the bird stand upright; holding its own body weight.

So for now I will just keep a close eye on it, and handle it regularly- sort like physio for turkeys.

(will post updated photos shortly)

Turkey poults have hatched (sort of)

 Well I have learned a new term. Baby turkey are called poults! And we had 3 hatch, with assistance this morning!

 
Unfortunately we were a little late for the fourth. I know many people do not believe in helping their hatchlings, but I hate seeing perfectly healthy and formed young fail at the final hurdle. After all we are interfering already, by incubating. And given our problems during incubation, with the weather affecting the temperature, as well as knocking out the power. We had already lost enough, these guys had made it this far.
All the turkey eggs were 28 days yesterday, and all were tapping away. So we had high hopes, but were becoming tentatively concerned. By the time we returned home from work, one had chipped through, with the smallest crack and whole, another had stopped tapping. So we took the decision to help them out. After all, have you ever tried to crack a turkey egg. Most people wouldn't have, as they are considered too expense to eat; due to their worth as young. But let me tell you, their shells are quite difficult to break, so I can only imagine how exhausted these little guys must be.

Now do not get me wrong, assisting a hatchling is a final attempt. As it in itself has risks. The birds are surrounded by a membrane, connected to their umbilical cord- much like any other young. And breaking this on accident, can cause the bird to bleed out. So absolute care is required. Generally I attempt to pick the shell away, pierce the outer membrane with the shell and peel back, just enough for it to breath.
So whilst it was far too late for the fourth, three made it the rest of the way out this morning and clumsily, clambering around the incubator... they appeared to be doing well. (Fingers crossed)