Wonky flying?

[Peckedhen]

My garden fantails are both flying in a strange way. Not that they fly far, but they set off and sort of appear to have to correct their line of flight - difficult to explain really - look as though they have had one gin too many!

 

They have lopsided tails, could this be affecting their ability to fly in a direct line? :-/

[Guest]

Are they only babies, as young birds do tend to fly in any direction. If not are their droppings ok, if not get them tested at the vet.

[Peckedhen]

Thanks Shelbin.  No, not babies - about seven months old. I'll need to bring them in to check droppings.

[Guest]

Peckedhen, I don't know much about fantails, but the longer-than-normal tail bred into the bird does give it an unusual flying style. In the wild, magpies are much the same.  ;D

 

One handy rule-of-thumb: Always look for more than one symptom. I've found that if the bird is otherwise full-of-beans there's usually nothing to worry about.

[Peckedhen]

That's a relief Bruno.  They do seem to be fine.

[Guest TAMMY_1]

Funnily enough I know somebody that has a pigeon called wonky  ;D ;D

[THE FIFER]

fantails often fly in funny ways,

[Guest IB]

Not Fancy pigeons, but still on topic - wonky flying    saw something on a DVD on Racing pigeons. Anyone heard of a problem on continental Europe called 'the staggers'? Seems to affect pigeons that have been confined to the loft during winter months and when let out again in spring, they can't fly straight?

 

Incredibly, they vaccinate for it? What is it and what causes it?