Shogun

yup, the lactobacilli is responsible for "converting" the lactose into lactic acid. Yes, some yoghurt can be used as a probiotic supplement. Another alternative is to use "Yakult"(lactobacilli shirota strain), it is a product from Japan. It helps maintain good intestinal flora and combats the "bad bacteria" in the stomach. When the number of bad bacteria "overtakes" the good ones, birds will show symptoms of "Going Light". "Going light" is not a disease in itself. There are so many bad bacteria in the intestinal wall of the birds. These bad bacteria are capable of penetrating or puncturing the intestines. The bird will lose appetite or will vomit the food. I think there is a topic somewhere here regarding going light. Some have advised to use antibiotics and/or drugs. Antibiotics will only kill the remaining good bacteria in the intestines! And the bird will die faster :'( Give lactobacilli or yeast twice a week. Also apple cider vinegar in the water twice a week. The ACV should be organic, unfiltered, and should have the "mother" in it. Hope this helps. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-diet.html http://www.yakult.co.uk/default.asp/s=113/p=117

birds' system do not have the "capability" to digest dairy products. they do not have the enzyme "lactase" to do the job. true, waste of time and money.

the best is raw crushed garlic. but "dosage" will depend on the "potency" of each particular variety. in general, larger varities are less potent than the smaller ones. you could tell thru the smell when you crush them.

try chrissy's suggestion and get ready to be amazed smooth silky feathers and lots of bloom.

fifer is right. crushed garlic in the bath water will get rid of those mites. another additional benefit is glossier and smoother feathers. regards

your feed or drinking water is contaminated with mice urine. could be leptospirosis(did I spell it right). open the dead birds and you will see their ruptured livers. gudluk

I use Bragg's apple cider vinegar. Raw, unfiltered, and organic. 2 bottle caps to a gallon of water twice a week. regards

The recommended dose for Flagyl is 50-60mg per bird daily for 4-5 days. Flagyl is Metronidazole. I have been using Trichocure(Ronidazole) tablets with better success. Hope this helps.

Just had my first race couple of weeks ago. Sent only one bird and was satisfied with the result. Air distance was 260kms. Bird managed to do 1170mpm. I will always cherish and remember that first race. Good luck with yours. Regards.

Good luck also, bro. BTW, NelsonE's famous "Immortal" is now with Joyren Ting Thanks.

I train, like most of the fanciers here, in any weather. Over here we fly in unpredictable weather conditions. Very often birds will experience heat and heavy rains on the same lap. Like last Sunday's race. Some birds went home exhausted and puffing from the heat. While others came home drenched from heavy rains. Either they took separate routes or the weather drastically changed. So it will entirely depend on where you are racing. I start training 45 day youngsters in any weather condition. Lost a few, but those would have no chance in the race conditions here anyway. Goodluck in your training and the races.

Gary, I think you are trying to do some research on our Pifer's bro Nelson Elgarico's Bastins Try this link http://www.americanpigeonracing.com/ Lucien Bastin is from Liege, Belgium. Another fancier here who has Bastin blood is Rudy Tan. Rudy started his Bastins with an egg given by NelsonE I have one of Rudy's hens, which is a sister to his Tacloban champion. Good luck and best regards, Co-Pifers Ed

We have Flagyl tablets over here. I think there are 2 doses 250mg and 500mg(Flagyl Forte). It is safe to use in pigeons(against canker) if given at a rate of 50mg for 4-6 days. So you have to split the tablet to get the safe dosage. I cut 500mg tablets into 8 parts. Then "trim" sharp edges to avoid harming bird's throat. This also makes the dose closer to 50mg per piece. Hope this helps.

I see your point, Jimmy Birds are not over-crowded. They have ACV twice a week. Small slice of garlic cloves twice a week(tedious he he he). Plenty of exercise and sunshine daily. I use SuperVit or Belgabion as vit supplements. Ideal pill once a week or as needed. Lofts and cages are cleaned daily. Drinking water replaced twice a day. Subject bird eats well. He exercises with the bunch, but of course, seems short of breath when he lands. He is now "isolated" in his own cage but I let him out daily to exercise and get sunshine. I went ahead with the Doxy + Tylan today. I thought it was worth the "risk". If the medication affects his moult, so be it. After all, I have no plans of racing him. He has become the "loft pet" LOL. He lands on my head most of the time. So, "culling" is out of the question I think I made a "sound" decision in treating him today. His condition needs the necessary treatment. Again, many thanks for your advice and insight. Regards.

I have a pigeon with respiratory problem. Croaking like a frog/Quacking like a duck I plan to treat it with Doxycycline + Tylosine but it has yet to finish its moult. Do I need to wait for the moult to finish? I am afraid the respiratory problem might worsen if not treated immediately. Advice appreciated. Thanks.