Young Pigeon Disease

The last few years we see more and more problems with our young pigeons. Mostly

we see a combination of an infection with the Adenovirus and the E. Coli bacteria.

 The Adenovirus type 1 damages the intestinal cells whereby an environment with a lot

 of proteins provides the ideal circumstances for a strong growth of the E. Coli

 bacteria. This E. Coli, which overgrows the normal intestinal flora, can produce

toxins which can reach the blood and cause an intoxication. The young pigeons become sick

and sometimes they even die. Sometimes this disease also goes hand in hand with Hexamitiasis.

Diseases

Canker- This is a protozoan infection and is very common in pigeons. Adult birds can get it but

 it strikes mostly the squabs in the next, symptoms of

this canker are lesions in the mouth or throat with a yellowish-white substance. Consult your local

feed store for a product that can be used on pigeons.

Colds- Pigeons get colds just like humans and dampness in the loft is a major cause of colds.

Usually if you will make sure your loft has no drafts your pigeons will have fewer colds. Keep

the birds warm when sick and administer cod liver oil to keep up their strength. Consult your feed

store for an ointment or suggestions to help open the nostrils and make breathing easier.

Pneumonia- Watch your pigeons, if their throat is parched, if they have difficulty in breathing, have fever

 or just look sick it could be pneumonia. Be sure to keep drafts away from them and keep the area warm.

Consult your feed store for antibiotic drugs to help.

Roup- If pigeons are exposed to drafts or dampness in the winter roup can occur, the symptoms are similar

to a cold, then a nasal discharge changes to a pus like mucus and will clog the nostrils. Be sure to isolate

the sick birds and disinfect the loft and all utensils. Consult your local feed store for remedies to help

clear up roop.

Diarrhea- Usually this occurs after a pigeon has eaten sour or moldy grain or unseasoned grain. Remove any grain

you suspect is not perfect and feed corn and small grains till the pigeon is improved. You might try a dose of caster oil

 or Epsom salts to clear out the bird's system.

Going Light- With this disease the flesh will waste away and the pigeon will look sick and have diarrhea.

 This is a symptom of another problem, consult someone for help in curing this and feed warm

milk with bread or meal in the meantime.

Egg Binding- Sometimes a hen will have problems in passing an egg, if you will bathe the vent with a

 little warm water and take a medicine dropper and put a warm olive oil on it the egg will just

pass on out.

As I wrote above taking care of your pigeons, making sure their area is warm and has no drafts and

keeping fresh water and good quality feed on hand you should have healthy birds.