healthy doos

[PATTY BHOY]

would these be classed as good healthy observations on pigeon health.

 

1Examine the pigeon's feathers. They should be smooth, slippery and full of natural powder.

 

Step 2Look at the pigeon's legs and feet. They should appear white and full of powder. White legs are a sign of health in a pigeon.

 

Step 3Check out the pigeon's pectoral muscles. If a pigeon has weak pectorals, its tail sticks up in the back. The base of a weak pigeon's tail may have a dent. A healthy pigeon has a nice, straight tail with no dents.

 

Step 4Stroke the bird's wing muscles, chest and abdomen. The muscles should feel firm and appear streamlined. If the pigeon's bones running along its abdomen are too deep, the bird likely has poor stamina and is a slow flier.

 

Step 5Peek for gaps between the wing feathers; this is a sign of a poor flier. A pigeon with strong wing muscles should attempt to pull his feathers back into place as you try to examine his wing feathers.

 

Step 6Observe the bird for signs of illness. Red mites and lice are common parasitic pigeon ailments that you can see. Yellow or white lesions in the mouth or throat indicate canker sores. A nasal discharge or mucus-like pus in the nostrils is a sign of a respiratory disease called roup. If a pigeon looks unhealthy, chances are it is.

 

Step 7Ascertain the pigeon breeder's "stock sense." This term implies a person is naturally good with animals. If the breeder does not seem knowledgeable, comfortable or happy around his pigeons, chances are this isn't the best place to purchase a homing pigeon.