The young pigeon disease
(Internet Published) Sep 2001
This is a poor diagnosis but whatever it really is, it has showed up in wide
spread areas of England, especially with Rollers and the general so called
issue of Fancy pigeons.
Typically young pigeons die between the age of 1 week and 3 weeks old. The
parents seem not to be effected. Some people have blamed the parents for
neglecting their young ones but the truth is that pigeons will not feed sick
young ones. I think that the only species that will force feed their young
is humans. Unless young pigeons solicit for food they will not get any.
However some young ones have died with crops full of feed so it's either
from hypothermia or from some disease. Some pigeons carry certain diseases
without showing any signs of illness so they must be immune. Their young
ones, though, are not, so they die.
The logical thing is to consult a vet and find out precisely what disease is
present and what to do about it. The problem is that it is likely to be
extremely expensive. Some people have had unsatisfactory decisions from vets
regarding pigeons. Usually, Antibiotics are prescribed which are expensive
and ineffective unless given regularly. The truth of the matter is that once
we start with preventive medication or the use of drugs then we must
continue with this. If we fail to do this or if the pigeons get into other
hands they will sicken or at least their young ones will.
Much has been written about loft hygiene, fresh air, worms, exclusion of
mice and red mites, etc, but I am afraid that little attention has been
paid. Then there is the calcium and salt deficiency, which prevails in too
many lofts. A good issue of suitable calcium grit with a little added salt
could be the answer.