Diarrhea in pigeons - an inconspicuous problem that can destroy your flock
When you first notice disturbing changes in your pigeons' droppings, act as quickly as possible. Diarrhea is one of those problems that seemingly appear harmless, but can actually lead to catastrophic losses in the flock. Every experienced breeder knows that quick reaction is the difference between losing individual birds and devastation of the entire loft.
Why is diarrhea so dangerous?
Diarrhea in pigeons is not just a matter of hygiene in the loft. It's a warning signal that may indicate serious health problems spreading throughout the flock. Persistent diarrhea leads to rapid dehydration, weakening of birds and can be a prelude to massive losses.
Symptoms that should concern you:
- Loose, watery droppings
- Change in dropping color
- Droppings sticking to feathers around the cloaca
- Apathy and lack of appetite in birds
- Decreased activity in the flock
Main causes of diarrhea - what's attacking your pigeons?
INFECTIOUS CAUSES - the most dangerous ones
1. Bacteria - silent killers
- Salmonella - can spread to the entire flock within days
- E. coli - particularly dangerous in young birds
- Other pathogenic bacteria
2. Fungi - often underestimated threat
- Aspergillus - particularly active in humid conditions
- Can lead to chronic respiratory problems
3. Parasites - internal enemies
- Coccidiosis - most common cause of diarrhea in young pigeons
- Worms - weaken the organism and impair nutrient absorption
- Capillaria - particularly troublesome during breeding season
4. Viruses - difficult to combat
- Paramyxovirus - can lead to neurological disorders
- Adenoviruses and circoviruses - affect the immune system
NON-INFECTIOUS CAUSES - often overlooked by breeders
5. Stress - underestimated factor
- Bird transportation
- Shows and competitions
- Overcrowding in the loft
- Sudden environmental changes
6. Loft hygiene - foundation of flock health
- Poor ventilation leading to excessive humidity
- Dirty, rarely changed bedding
- Unclean feeders and drinkers
7. Feeding errors - common problem of beginning breeders
- Improperly balanced diet
- Deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals
- Sudden changes in feed composition
- Using low-quality or expired feed
8. Organism weakness
- Exhaustion after long flights
- Dehydration in high temperatures
- Post-breeding period in females
9. Antibiotic overuse
- Too frequent antibiotic treatments
- Disruption of natural intestinal bacterial flora
- Development of bacterial resistance
Immediate action - what to do when time works against you?
In case of acute diarrhea, especially combined with high ambient temperature, every minute of delay can cost you the loss of valuable birds.
First step - stopping diarrhea
In our loft, we have been successfully using ACTIVE BALANCE for years - a proven remedy that helps quickly control diarrhea and restore balance in birds' organisms.
Administration method:
- With feed: 1 teaspoon per 1 kg of easily digestible feed
- In case of lack of appetite: 4 teaspoons pour with 1 liter of boiling water, after cooling give to drink
Order ACTIVE BALANCE now - don't wait for the problem to worsen!
Additional emergency actions:
- Isolation of sick birds - prevent the spread of the problem
- Increased ventilation - ensure better air circulation
- Bedding replacement - remove sources of additional infection
- Temperature control - avoid overheating birds
When to see a veterinarian?
You can eliminate environmental causes yourself, but infectious diarrhea requires professional diagnosis. Don't delay visiting a veterinarian if:
- Diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days
- Affects a large part of the flock
- Accompanied by fever or other concerning symptoms
- Birds refuse to eat
- You notice high mortality
Prevention - better to prevent than treat
Regular actions that will protect your flock:
Daily:
- Check freshness of water and feed
- Observe bird behavior
- Maintain cleanliness in the loft
Weekly:
- Change bedding
- Thorough cleaning of feeders and drinkers
- Check ventilation
Monthly:
- Comprehensive loft disinfection
- Veterinary sample testing
- Replenish breeding first aid kit
Investment in flock health
Remember that the cost of proper prevention is a fraction of the losses that a diarrhea epidemic can cause in your flock. Regularly replenish emergency supplies - when a problem appears, there may be no time for orders.
Summary - Your action can save the flock
Diarrhea in pigeons is a problem that requires quick and decisive reaction. Don't underestimate the first symptoms - the faster you start acting, the greater your chances of saving the entire flock.
Key points to remember:
- Quick cause identification
- Immediate treatment implementation
- Isolation of sick birds
- Improvement of loft conditions
- Veterinary consultation in case of infectious causes
Your experience and quick reaction are the best protection for your pigeons. Be vigilant, act decisively and don't save on your birds' health.
Article created based on years of breeding experience and consultations with veterinarians specializing in bird treatment.