Pigeons Loft Hygiene
Loft hygiene is very important there should be no infection
possible through drinking vessels and feeding bowls. In this area hygiene is a must. On the other side extreme hygiene leads
to the fact that the young pigeons escape from many " children diseases" and do not strengthen their defence mechanism
in order to fight simple diseases.
Stress prevention
Stress is a main reason for an
outbreak of infections. Stress is unavoidable during the loading into the cages, but don't overcrowded lofts and avoid
a cycle that is hard to reverse. Stress reduces the natural defence and therefore the risk of infections is increasing.
Medical treatment might be necessary but also offends the condition of the pigeons. It is a vicious circle.
Increase of The Natural Defence
In my opinion the basic idea to solve this problem is
the increase of the natural defence mechanism. Stress prevention, sufficient hygiene and an intact intestinal flora which
defends harmful bacteria increase the natural defence of the young pigeons. An intact intestinal flora improves the digestive
system and leads to a better utilization of food and vitamins and therefore to a better state of condition.Apple vinegar,
in drinking water helps the useful bacteria to increase under optimal circumstances.
Trichomoniasis (Canker)
Many birds carry the parasites responsible for Canker. The Trichomonads are single celled parasites
characterised by whisker like protrusions from the cell body which they use for movement. The exudate from a fresh crop
swab is the best specimen to use to see Trichomonads. It is said that up to 80% of adult pigeons harbour Trichomonads
in their crops without causing significant disease. However, they will pass these on to youngsters in the nest via crop
milk and when feeding grain to youngsters.
Symptoms: Listless unwell birds, particularly
young birds; excessive thirst; diarrhea; weight loss and failure to thrive in youngsters; cause's white or pale yellow
plaques in or around the mucosa of the mouth and upper airway. They cause difficulty in swallowing grain.
Complications:It is said that up to 80% of birds may carry the parasites, they are undoubtedly better off without
any of them and when seen, it is wise to treat. Furthermore, their presence in the crop will encourage their spread
to youngsters who do not have the same degree of resistance to disease that parent birds do and will therefore be more likely
to succumb to the disease. Canker can develop in to a generalized organ form of the disease where the parasite invades
vital body organs destroying them and thus inevitably threatening the life of the young bird. Youngsters may also
develop an umbilical form of the disease where their umbilical cord area is infected in the nest and this can lead more quickly
to the dangerous organ form.
Treatments: There are a range of treatments available,
which are available and these include: Dimetridazole (Harkanker) and Carnidazole (Spartrix). One very important
aspect regarding routine prophylaxis against Canker, is that treatment should be commenced after the hen has laid out, as
many Canker treatments can have side effects which include egg laying problems.
Coccidiosis (Going Light)
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by
a single celled parasite known as Eimeria, which attaches and infests the delicate cells lining the gut wall. Such infestation
by Cocci prevents the bird from absorbing the nutrients from its feed and prevents the gut wall from reabsorbing water as
it should, resulting in diarrhea. Coccidial infestation increases with stress and can result in serious disease where
the bird becomes very poorly as a result of its inability to absorb nutrients, the significant loss of water and mineral salts
in diarrhea and invasion of opportunistic infections due to the birds poor immune response. It is reported that almost
all pigeons carry some degree of Coccidial infection.
Symptoms: Listless unwell looking
birds, diarrhea, wet slimely droppings; weight loss; failure to thrive in youngsters; mostly affects young birds; old birds
are thought to gain immunity with age.
Spread: Oocysts (Coccidia eggs for want of a
better description), are extremely resilient and may lay dormant in soil or droppings for some considerable time. Loft
hygiene is important in the control of disease outbreaks. The link of outbreaks to stress is also important and the
minimization of stress to youngsters is therefore an important consideration. Regular loft hygiene; medicated
floor dressings; disinfectants; blow torch (CAREFULLY!).
Treatments: Amprolium (Coxoid);
Clazuril (Appertex) are available over the counter. It is wise to treat prior to breeding.
Helminthiasis
(Parasitic Worm)
Worm infestations in pigeons are common, yet many fanciers deny their presence in their lofts.
Like any parasite, worms rely on their host for sustenance and growth. Any worm burden is a bad one, in that even
in low volumes the worm parasite is depriving it host. Racing or show birds cannot possibly perform to their best potential
if carrying a worm burden. Similarly, breeding birds may pass on worms to their youngsters in the nest via contaminated
feed. There are four main parasitic worms affecting pigeons; tapeworms (not very common); roundworms; hairworms and
gapeworm (not very common).
Symptoms: Weight loss; failure to thrive in youngsters;
anemia; emaciation; diarrhea; stunted growth in youngsters; listless unwell looking birds; dull plumage; impaired performance.
Treatments: Routine prophylaxis against hairworm and roundworm is widely practiced. Hairworm is
considered to be the most common worm infestation in pigeons. There are a variety of wormers available Piperazine (Biozine)
for roundworms; Levamisole (Spartakon); Fenbentyl (Panacur) and Avicas. Ivermectin, which has the additional advantage of
controlling Ectoparasites as well as worms.