birds haunched up

[ray]

My pigeons are haunched up and feathers above there beak are all puffed up, is it just the cold weather or is there something wrong, this is my first year and any help would be gratefully accepted thank you

[Chatrace]

Are the wattles chalky white?

[mickieb]

u just have to keep your eye on them if stey dont seem to have anylife  about them y have a problem some were  going light maybe are they youngsters  get that 4 in 1 give for 5 days the quicker the better i would not take any chances disinfect .the loft god bleach  jeyes fluid  that should do it mickie b

[carl]

Whats the droppings like ray and are they eating ok,have you treat them for anything yet.Speak to silverdale loft on here and ask him if you could send him some droppings from the birds to be tested im sure he will help.

[ray]

Its ok lads with been new to the sport i pannicked, droppings are ok but when i fed up yesterday and seen them panic panic, this morning went in sun shinning they where sitting up and looked fine flying around and ranting there ok thanks lads im a bit nervous when i dont know whats wrong, just need the experience

[Mike Lycett]

Ray

 

Yes, the weather is the likely cause.

 

If you think you're gonna be in the sport, then either "Fit to Win" or that book of Dr Colin Walker's are my idea of the best health books that you could buy.  

Be careful though, you can sometimes read toooooooooo much.

 

Mike

[Guest]

My pigeons are haunched up and feathers above there beak are all puffed up, is it just the cold weather or is there something wrong, this is my first year and any help would be gratefully accepted thank you

 

A good rule-of-thumb I use is always look for a minimum of TWO symptoms. For example haunched up AND weird droppings; or AND throwing up; or AND losing weight rapidly ... etc.

 

Your bit about the feathers above the beak caught my eye though. I call those immediately 'behind' the bird's wattle 'distress feathers'. If these are standing 'straight out' towards the beak while the rest of the head feathers are normal, it usually means something is causing the bird problems.  

[MsPigeon]

Hi Ray,

I think Bruno has excellent advice with the two symptom rule. I also think it is very good that you are so observant and on top of the first signs of a problem.

You might check for a draft, I don't find my birds ruffled in the cold unless they are in a draft. At any rate do keep an eye on them. Sometimes it only takes some stress for a disease or illness to come out.

Carol

[ray]

Im flying natural and my window are open to the elements, what do you class as a draft, and do you think this time of year i should cover my windows, i have a 2 inch gap around the roof of my loft as well as open windows do you think its to cold, if you can suggest anything i will be grateful thank you, bruno i will keep an eye on it

[snowy]

they do sometimes ruffle the feathers up in the real cold to keep a bit warm, but what i did was mix a bit of extra maize in with their feed , as this maize(corn) is a heat food & helps keep them warm.

[ray]

Right snowy, i dont use maize but if it keeps them warm i will get some thanks

[carl]

maize keeps the birds warm,how come snowy.I was told sead heats them up inside also.

[Guest slugmonkey]

If the loft is dry the you shouldnt have any problems with the ventilation

[MsPigeon]

Ray,

I have ventilation under the eaves as well and windows front and rear that I open and close accordingly, usually open most days and closed most nights. What I mean by a draft is can they roost without a breeze blowing right on them.

Carol

[Guest]

Im flying natural and my window are open to the elements, what do you class as a draft, and do you think this time of year i should cover my windows, i have a 2 inch gap around the roof of my loft as well as open windows do you think its to cold, if you can suggest anything i will be grateful thank you, bruno i will keep an eye on it

 

 

Brought a couple of topics to top of boards for you to see Ray.  Look at 'ventilation' on 'Racing Pigeon' board, and 'Feeding in cold' on Novices, Beginners & young fanciers' board.

 

As long as your loft is dry, leave well alone. Reckon you've NO worries. Maybe feed a wee bit more (of what you feed just now) during cold spells?

[snowy]

maize keeps the birds warm,how come snowy.I was told sead heats them up inside also.

 

dont know exactly,  but heard it somewhere on this site,

so i just add a an extra bit of maize when its real cold to there feed