This week’s segment features Priscilla the 11-month-old turkey!!! Priscilla came to us for a large wound under her right wing that was being caused by another male turkey in their flock. Wounds in female turkeys are a common but often overlooked issue, especially during breeding season. When toms attempt to mate, their sharp spurs can cause lacerations under the hen’s wings, along the back, or near the shoulders. These injuries may initially look minor but can quickly worsen due to contamination with dirt and bacteria, feather matting, and repeated trauma from continued breeding activity.
Left untreated, these wounds can become infected, leading to swelling, discharge, foul odor, and significant discomfort. In more severe cases, infection can spread deeper into the tissues or even become systemic, putting the bird’s overall health at risk. Because feathers can hide the extent of the injury, what appears to be a small wound on the surface may actually be much more extensive underneath.
It’s important to remember that turkeys, like all animals, do feel pain and deserve appropriate medical care. At Emerson Animal Hospital, we evaluate these wounds thoroughly, clean and debride damaged tissue, and provide necessary treatments such as antibiotics and pain management to support healing and comfort. Priscilla underwent surgery to repair the wound under her wing and recovered well. She now wears a turkey apron which is a small cloth covering to protect the areas frequently injured by toms. Thanks to prompt and aggressive treatment, Priscilla has made a full recovery!!