By Dr Colin Walker BSc, BVSc, MRCVS, MACVSc (Avian health)
One good way of monitoring the birds' health is by observing their
droppings. As most fanciers clean their racing loft each day, simply
observing the droppings during the cleaning process is a good way of
monitoring the birds' health over the previous 24 hours.
You may wonder why a bird that has done some moderate exercise, or one that
has done a lot of strenuous exercise comes down panting and looking for
water in the worst way. It has to do with in most cases, but not all the
effects of a loss of Electrolytes.
As a bird expels energy, various energy sources are utilized.
Just finished spraying the birds and I thought to share my method that works
quite well for me in eliminating parasites from the feathers. I use a powder
that mixes with water called SEVIN-5 and spray each bird individually.
When your tipplers are breeding, are you feeding them a mixture containing
maize??? If so, the pointed end of the kernel could cause a scratch in the
throat thereby allowing the germ to enter the system, etc. I use a 'No-Corn'
mixture during the breeding season and rarely get canker in the YBS. It does
happen now and again, I wouldn't say that it doesn't.
Hi Stan a very good question, medicating ones breeders is a must to promote
good healthy young. I for one always medicate my breeders before I pair them
up. Two weeks before pairing the breeders I d-worm them for every type of
worm possible by the aid of a tablet.
