pigeon ailment

[DOVEScot]

Can anybody help,

I had just started keeping doves when I lost some young birds that i got to canker, treated them and I still kept loosing them, took a dead bird and a live bird to goverment lab at perth.

Results Came back salmonella, they are now on their sixth day of antibiotics but still loosing them

Symtems are; loosing weight, listless, disorientated and head turning right round to face upwards them dying

Can the remaining birds recover or is it best to cull them and start again

Vets in my area only know basics on pigeons

Have learned that a breeder that I got the last two from has the same problem

All advice welcome

[Pompey Mick]

I would think it best if you completely restarted after thoroughly disinfecting the loft and use a blow torch if necessary. Salmonella is one of the worst diseases you can have in a pigeon loft, and yours seem to have it bad. Pigeons can recover, but they also can remain  carriers whilst looking apparently healthy. This disease can & will wreck any chance you have of producing a top quality, healthy team of pigeons. Deal with it now.

[Tony C]

I agree with what Pompey Mick

[DOVEScot]

How can I be sure any new birds are healthy

[Guest]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have to agree with the others, you need to start with healthy birds, and if you paid for these birds and the seller admits to having a problem with salmonella, then have him collect the remainder and get your money back. Make sure your loft is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before bringing in new stock.

 

Salmonella is a serious bacterial disease reckoned to be caused by rodent infestation, mice & rat urine & faeces contaminating your birds food, water and loft environment. Make sure your loft is rodent-proof.

 

You ensure healthy foundation stock by dealing only with reputable suppliers. Most are and I think you have been unlucky in this case.

 

 

[Pompey Mick]

Look for someone who performs regularly, races regularly, flies a decent competive youngster, don't have to be a world beater, just Mr Consistent, good health is usually mirrored by consistent flying. Pigeons from a fancier like that should start you off on the right track.  Look local so you can visit the loft, if you put your area on the thread I am sure a forum member will poiny you in the right direction.

[maverick]

SET SOME MOUSE TRAPS AROUND YOUR LOFT YOU WILL SOON SEE HOW BAD THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE AMOUNT YOU CATCH.

[Wiley]

Look for someone who performs regularly, races regularly, flies a decent competive youngster, don't have to be a world beater, just Mr Consistent, good health is usually mirrored by consistent flying. Pigeons from a fancier like that should start you off on the right track.  Look local so you can visit the loft, if you put your area on the thread I am sure a forum member will poiny you in the right direction.

 

i think the guy just wants to keep doves mate not sure if he wants to race

 

[DOVEScot]

Yes it is just fantaildoves I am wanting to keep,

The breeder said his had head tilt and has gutted his loft and says it came in from pigeons he bought. I don't think I have a rodent problem but will set traps to find out.

Has anyone heard of head tilt as the breeder says this was what was wrong with his, although mine definately have tested positive for salmonella, is "head tilt"  a different  problem or a symptom of salmonella

I am in the fife area of scotland

[Tony C]

I would think 'head tilt' is a term to help discribe one of the symptoms of salmonella, another term used is 'star gazing'.

[Wiley]

yea it is a sign mate ive only ever seen it once and i dont wanna see it again its not nice at all

[Roland]

http://www.avianbiotech.com/diseases/salmonella.htm

 

http://www.michaelandjudystouffer.com/judy/articles/vinegar.htm

Good luck mucker, hope this helps, but thought the Veternary lot would have laid some good info onto yer.

[DOVEScot]

Looks like I will cull them as advised and start again in th new year, unless I hear any success stories.

Lookig doubtful,

thanks for everybody's advice

[DOVEScot]

Thanks will follow this up tomorrow