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Hairworms and roundworms are widespread in pigeon flocks, whereas tapeworms are less common. These worm types live as parasites in the small intestine of pigeons. Pathogen: The hairworm, Capillaria obsignata - a very slender, hair-like parasite - infests various poultry species in addition to pigeons. Hairworm eggs become infective in the environment after 8-9 days. The pigeon roundworm, Ascaridia columbae, only occurs in pigeons. The eggs become infective in the environment after 2-3 weeks. Two types of tapeworm, Hymenolepis columbae and Raillietina columbae, infest pigeons. Their emergence is dependent on suitable intermediate hosts (snails, beetles, ants), which they require in order to develop. Pigeons only become...

With the launch of our new product Medimite oral drops, our expert pigeon pharmacist shares a few precautions and treatments for mites, lice and worms... Mites & Lice (Skin Parasites) Feather loss & damage can be as a result of physical damage e.g rubbing up against the drinker or the pigeon may have pecked out feathers as a result of itching. To overcome the problem of the bald pigeon chest: Observe the pigeon when it is feeding or drinking, if there is the slightest suspicion that the bird is rubbing its chest against a drinker the you may choose to either...

Paramyxovirus disease Paramyxovirus is a deadly & very contagious disease. Pigeons should be vaccinated from 4 weeks of age.  Paramyxo has an incubation period of 5 weeks i.e the affected bird will not show signs of being infected for 5 weeks from coming into contact with the PMV. It is very important to vaccinate all the birds in the loft since a vaccinated bird can spread the virus without showing signs of the disease. Some features of the paramyxovirus disease: Usually the first signs of the disease are watery loose droppings Nervous signs e.g missing pecking of grains, wing &...

Aspergillosis (Thrush) in pigeons Aspergillosis is readily avoidable by not useing mouldy damp hay or straw in the loft. Never buy store or feed damp corn or feed. Diagnosis;  White plaque - like lesions seen in the mouths of pigeons and the failure of birds to respond adequately to antibiotic                      treatment & canker treatment & the presence of mouldy bedding & food in the loft. Candida is the name of the fungi causing Aspergillosis, Candida tends to colonise in birds which have a compromised immune system & there is a challenge...

Moulds, fungi & yeasts are present in the atmosphere, especially in damp environments - Just try leaving damp bread out on the kitchen work surface & within a couple of days you will see a mould growth on the bread! Poorly ventilated lofts & feeding damp musty feed can indeed increase the risk of your birds, do not feed brewers yeast to unwell birds as this may exacerbate the condition. Please note that the disease 'pigeon fanciers lung' is caused by an allergy to 'pigeon bloom' and not mould. Aspergillus mould is the most common mould affecting pigeons. This mould colonises...