Health Problems in Pigeons

Pigeons originated in Southern Asia millions of years ago. These gentle birds come in a variety of species and sizes, ranging from the diamond dove, which is 12 cm long, to the crowned pigeon, which is the size of a female turkey. There are a variety of health problems peculiar to pigeons.

  1. Canker

    • Canker, or trichomoniasis, is a common pigeon disease. Symptoms in an infected pigeon are inactivity, weight loss, ruffled feathers, dizziness and diarrhea, along with a cheesy-yellowish discharge from the mouth or throat. Canker may be passed from one bird to another through drinking water or from a parent feeding the young. Canker is fatal if not treated with a drug such as metronidazole, available from a veterinarian. Keep a sick pigeon separated from the others for six weeks to avoid spreading the ailment.

    One-Eye Colds

    • One-eye colds are usually caused by improper ventilation, a draft, dampness or dust in the pigeon loft. These ailments are also associated with trauma, such as a peck in the eye or another type of physical injury. One eye has a watery or mucous discharge. The affected eye may become completely closed if it becomes infected. Prevent one-eye colds by keeping the loft properly ventilated, avoiding overcrowding and keeping dust to a minimum.

    Worm Diseases

    • The culprits of worm disease in pigeons are hair worms, tapeworms, roundworms, stomach wall worms, gapeworms and strongyloides. Pigeons may have a slight worm infestation without showing any ill effects. Symptoms vary with the type and degree of worm infestation. Worm-infested pigeons continue to maintain their appetite because the worms consume the nourishment from their system. However, pigeons suffering from a severe infestation experience weight loss, diarrhea, lack of energy and bad droppings. Keeping the lofts clean and giving a yearly de-worming to all the pigeons are good preventative measures.

    Pigeon Pox

    • Mosquitoes and other biting insects contribute to infesting pigeons with the virus that causes pigeon pox. A pigeon pox vaccine is the only way to prevent this ailment. According to the Broward County Pigeon Club website, there is no other remedy. A nonresistant pigeon bitten by a carrier parasite takes the virus into its bloodstream, and within five to seven days small, whitish wart-like lesions appear on the legs, feet and beak areas. These can grow into large yellowish bumps that will dry up and fall off. Leave them alone to avoid making them bleed.