Many of you saw my brief post about Roo, one of the turkeys who arrived on Thursday and passed away within 24 hours. 💔

Here’s her story from the brief time she was with us.

When Tim was at the shed the turkeys were in (see my previous post), we noticed that Roo needed medical attention.

They were holding their leg up, had a noticeably swollen joint, were very pale, and lethargic. They tucked their head into their wing while standing on one leg, hiding from the world despite Tim’s presence (normal behaviour would have been to keep an eye on him).

After bringing the turkeys back to the sanctuary, Roo was moved into the house, and their little buddy Joey joined them (KangaROO and Joey). Roo started on pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.

Antibiotics were started the following morning in case we were dealing with an infection such as a septic joint.

Despite treatment, Roo declined rapidly. When Tim and I checked on Roo (it was time for their evening dose of medication), Roo was already taking their last breaths. I picked Roo up to see if there was anything we could do, but within seconds, their heart stopped, and they passed in my arms.

Fly free, sweet Roo – I’m so sorry we weren’t there to help you sooner. You will certainly be missed by Joey and your other little buddy, Stevie.

—–🦃—–

I can’t say for sure what happened to Roo, but since the symptoms lined up with coccidiosis, all the turkeys were started on a coccidiosis treatment to get it under control quickly.

Because of Roo’s injury, they may not have been eating enough of their medicated starter feed, which would have rapidly reduced their protection against coccidia (not to mention that not eating would have left them without the energy to rally).

Roo was buried on the sanctuary grounds near one of the gardens on the old golf course. A grave marker will be placed as soon as it arrives.

Joey, who was very pale before treatment began, is showing improved colour now. All the remaining turkeys, including Joey, are singing, active, curious, and engaging in normal, happy turkey activities.