The Bird Man of Alcatraz

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Grasshopper Chronicles: The Birdman Of Alcatraz 

In the world of pigeon racing and bird keeping, knowledge is everything. A fancier who understands his birds, their health, and their environment will always have an edge over those who rely on luck alone. While modern pigeon medicine has come a long way, the foundations of avian health management were built upon years of careful observation and trial and error. Few individuals embody this relentless pursuit of understanding better than Robert Stroud, better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz.

Stroud’s story is an extraordinary one. Despite spending over half a century behind bars, he became one of the most knowledgeable avian researchers of his time. His work, carried out under the most restrictive conditions, led to breakthroughs in understanding bird diseases and their treatments. With no formal education in veterinary medicine, no access to modern laboratories, and limited resources, he managed to diagnose, treat, and even cure illnesses that were devastating to captive birds. His meticulous approach to bird health offers lessons that remain relevant today, not just for those keeping songbirds but also for pigeon fanciers striving to maintain peak health in their lofts.

Stroud’s journey into bird keeping began in the most unlikely of places—inside the walls of Leavenworth Penitentiary. It started with a single injured sparrow that he nursed back to health. This small act of kindness ignited a deep fascination, leading him to acquire and breed canaries within his cell. What started as a simple hobby soon turned into a full-scale scientific study.

Despite being confined to a tiny space, Stroud observed everything—how his birds behaved, how they responded to different diets, and most importantly, how diseases affected them. Without access to textbooks or professional guidance, he relied on his own keen eye and relentless curiosity. He noted symptoms, identified patterns, and experimented with remedies, all while keeping meticulous records. Over time, he built a deep understanding of avian illnesses and, in doing so, made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of bird medicine.

One of Stroud’s greatest contributions was in recognising and categorising avian diseases. He studied bacterial infections, respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, and nutritional deficiencies—many of which are just as relevant to pigeons as they are to canaries. His work was eventually compiled into Diseases of Canaries, a book that is still referenced today.

Among the many diseases he encountered, one of the most significant was haemorrhagic septicaemia, a deadly bacterial infection that caused internal bleeding and rapid death. Stroud discovered that disinfecting drinking water with potassium permanganate reduced bacterial spread, a method that is still used today in various forms of avian care. He also experimented with silver nitrate as an antiseptic for treating wounds and infections.

Another major challenge he tackled was coccidiosis. Stroud quickly realised that keeping cages scrupulously clean was crucial in preventing reinfection, as the disease spreads through contaminated droppings. Later, when sulpha-based drugs became available, he tested them extensively and found them to be highly effective. Even today, pigeon fanciers battling coccidiosis use sulpha-based treatments, proving that his methods were far ahead of their time.

Stroud also studied respiratory infections, a common issue in pigeons and other birds, especially in poorly ventilated environments. He noted that damp conditions led to breathing problems and sought ways to alleviate them. One of his solutions was the use of eucalyptus and menthol vapours to clear airways—an old remedy that has stood the test of time. He also recognised the benefits of cod liver oil, understanding that its rich vitamin content supported immune function and overall health.

Perhaps one of his most important discoveries was the role of nutrition in disease prevention. Stroud believed that many illnesses stemmed not from infection, but from poor diet. He found that brewer’s yeast was an excellent source of B vitamins, essential for maintaining energy and feather condition. He also recommended adding bone meal and crushed eggshells to diets to ensure adequate calcium intake. Grit and charcoal were also part of his regime, aiding digestion and preventing crop-related issues.

One of Stroud’s great admirers for avian health was the much-beloved scribe Bilco. Bilco studied Stroud for many years, drawing from his work to develop his own understanding of bird health. His passion for Stroud’s findings led him to create a product called Xerex, which proved to be an outstanding remedy for young bird sickness.

Unfortunately, this great product disappeared from the market when Bilco passed, and when the company he outsourced its production to, Dazer International, folded. Those who used Xerex will remember its effectiveness, and it remains a much-missed tool in the fight against young bird sickness.

Being someone who always wants to learn, I have spent time researching and experimenting, and I believe I may have worked out the formula which on the ingredients only ever said ‘Mixed Carbonates’. In true Stroud fashion, I will observe and test it on my own birds, and a few close friends have agreed to try it and we will study its effects when—like every year—young bird sickness inevitably strikes. No doubt if my findings are correct, I will discuss my observations with the fancy.

One of my biggest bugbears, although it has no influence on performance, is when you look at your own or somebody else’s young birds, pull out the wing, and see the slightest of frets on the first flight. This appears in at least 95% of young birds I have seen over the years. The 5% where it doesn’t appear? When I ask their owners, the response is almost always the same—they are summer-bred.

This instantly makes me think that cold temperatures play a role in this defect. Could it be that the harsh conditions during feather growth in the winter months cause a disruption in the structure of the feather? It’s a question that has fascinated me for years.

Now, this wasn’t a Stroud experiment, but an adaptation of an article I wrote many years ago on my good friends Micky and Michael Connolly. In the nest of their young birds, every other day, they would give a brewer’s yeast tablet and a cod liver oil tablet.

I’ve taken this idea and experimented with it myself, but with one key difference—I’ve been giving both supplements once a day, every day, throughout the winter. The results so far? Every young bird I’ve produced using this method is completely free of that dreaded fret line in the first flight.

Both brewer’s yeast and cod liver oil were favourites of Stroud. Brewer’s yeast for its high B-vitamin content, supporting feather growth and metabolism. Cod liver oil for its omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, crucial for bone and feather strength.

Have I cracked the mystery that’s bugged me for years? I won’t commit to saying definitely, but I will continue observing, continue experimenting, and continue refining my approach. In true Stroud fashion, the answers are there to be found—we just need the patience and curiosity to look for them.

Master Po once said "A man who listens, learns. A man who observes, understands. But a man who acts upon his understanding, that man will never be without knowledge." 

Stroud’s legacy is a testament to this wisdom. Though he was trapped behind bars, his mind soared far beyond his confinement. He proved that with patience, curiosity, and determination, we can unlock the secrets of bird health—not by blindly following trends, but by trusting in what we see with our own eyes. And in that, there is a lesson for us all.