WalkerPigeon friend of PlacidoPigeon ~ sick?

[4zpigeons]

WalkerPigeon was introduced in the 'broken leg and maybe foot' thread (<photographed in the pigeonpot).
Yesterday morning Walker was on the garage roof, however chooses to walk about the yard... and has been resting in the pigeonpot, as well as on the ground for the last few days.
Yesterday we had a pretty strong storm / there was shelter for Walker ~ however I was away and don't know Walkers whereabouts during the storm. Last evening after the storm I observed Walker walking about the yard and looking to the garage roof, also appeared unsure as to how to get to the roof top. I walked about the yard and chatted with Walker, who eventully sat down. Soon I was a foot from Walker who was still resting on the ground. ~ Little eyes watching me, yet dozing off, and seemed damp and chilled. It was still damp and a bit cool out. My instincts told me to catch Walker and set him up in the dry garage. Walker went limp in my hands and stayed in my arms as I set up the over night digs.
This morning I thought I'd see what Walker wanted to do. Thinking maybe Walker had been pulling all-nighters and was tired. Now that shelter had been provided maybe Walker was feeling rested... So I lifted up the cage to see what the plan was... Thus far a short walk in the garage and still resting. I checked the poops etc and I think all is okay, maybe a bit softer than just pushing it to the side and it holding its form... some however held form better than others.
Eating and drinking water... I've seen Walker eat and drink. Maybe not as much as the others that visit.
Walker most of all seems tired. Sick? Old...?
Thoughts?
Thank you.
~ 4zp.

[Pidgey]

Sure doesn't sound good. Can you get any supplemental heat on him like a heat lamp? You should probably start by looking down the inside of Walker's beak for any sticky saliva, yellow buttons or foul odor.

Pidgey

[Pidgey]

Link to the other thread about Placido and introducing Walker:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f20/br...oot-28424.html

Pidgey

[4zpigeons]

No 'stink' that I've yet noticed, however will check again. Sticky saliva and Yellow buttons? sorry this is new.
~ 4zp.

[Pidgey]

There are a few common ailments for pigeons like Trichomoniasis (commonly called "canker"), Coccidiosis, Paratyphoid, Worms and a few others.

Canker is a disease that's caused by a flagellating protozoa (it's highly mobile) which has a typical symptom of the formation of yellow, cheesy buttons inside the mouth and throat.

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by another protozoa that's not so mobile and the symptoms are mostly where you can't see them although it'll start affecting the bird's behavior significantly. Poops can get progressively worse and watery with a weird odor.

Worms will be very similar in that the bird starts losing weight and going downhill. Sometimes the poops get more liquidy, too.

Paratyphoid is a Salmonellosis that can occur in many different ways in various parts of the body depending on the bird and the strain of bacteria.

Most of these are treated with different medications although there are some that will treat Paratyphoid and Coccidiosis at the same time.

Pidgey

[4zpigeons]

Ah... thank you ever so much.
I can't say that I see /smell any of these symptoms (at least right now). It does appear that appetite is less ~ as I didn't notice a drastic change quantity / or mess from what was there earlier to now...
Walker didn't move around much today / Walker didn't go outside today - stayed in the garage. Granted I didn't chase the lil' one out of the garage. I did show the exit etc... Clearly wasn't interested.
Walker is dry and isn't shaking anymore.
I was able to set the 'cage' over Walker for bed. <This way I can keep the light on and provide a roof to block direct light... and provides safety should a squirrel get in.
Walker is tucked in for the night.
Thank you Pidgey ~ any other thoughts... I will of course continue to watch for the symptoms / ailments mentioned before.
~ 4zp.

[4zpigeons]

Update:
Walker was not happy about being caught today and had far more energy and varied dance moves ~ however none that flew.
Walker is back in the secretgarden in the newly renovated PigeonTent which comes with ones own PigeonPot. Walker found his pot and appears happier. I too picked up some 'dove' mix which walker gobbled up...
He didn't stink, nor did I see any signs of yellow buttons or sticky saliva. Just walks and runs... didn't even seem interested in flying. I just wonder if the wings are somehow injured and need rest... I'll keep an eye. One digit does appear injured ~ However this might be an older injury.
I did pick up 'VitaFLight' - 13 vitamins / food supplement. Should I give this to Walker?
~ 4zp.

[Pidgey]

Tell you what--get Walker again and start feeling all of the joints in both wings. They should feel fairly bony with very little padding or softness. If you find that one is puffy versus the same joint on the other side then we might want to get you some antibiotics like Baytril to start him on. Also feel the range of motion of both wings upward over the back--just rotate the wings one at a time and compare.

Pidgey

[4zpigeons]

I will attempt this minyana as all are tucked in for the night. In the meantime ~ here is Walker in zPigeonTent&Pot.
Thank you for the advice.
~ 4zp.

[4zpigeons]

I was able to check Walker for swelling and can't say that I noticed any swelling. I did open the wings and felt around and both wings appear the same (at least to me).
I'm not sure that Walker has eaten since last night... I'll keep an eye for this and water consumption. I took a photo of poops should that be of interest. The older were dry and the new seem a bit wet ~ but then I haven't spent a lot of time examining / other than cleaning-up in 'aisle 6'.
For now Walker appears content to hang out in his pot.
~ 4zp.

[Pidgey]

You might try calling around and seeing if you can find some "Sulmet" at a feed store or pet supply store near you. It's a cheap sulfa drug that could catch Coccidiosis and a few other things.

Pidgey

[4zpigeons]

After various google searches / speaking with stores / avian vets and so forth I found a feed store about 20 - 25 miles from here that should carry sulmet. whew... Unfortunately I can't get there until tomorrow... anything else you can think of that might be of use?
(and) Thank you Pidgey ~ I and Walker truly appreciate your assistance.
~ 4zp.
... also Walker has been eating today.

[4zpigeons]

I'm not finding Sulmet anywhere in Minneapolis / Lake Elmo / Stillwater etc. Is there something else I should look for? Walker is still in zpot in ztent. Appears comfortable, not shaking, is eating...
Thank you.
~ 4zp.

[Lovebirds]

Originally Posted by 4zpigeons

I'm not finding Sulmet anywhere in Minneapolis / Lake Elmo / Stillwater etc. Is there something else I should look for? Walker is still in zpot in ztent. Appears comfortable, not shaking, is eating...
Thank you.
~ 4zp.

I just sent you a PM.

[Pidgey]

Sorry, didn't see this one again at the right time, apparently...

Let's see what Renee has up her sleeve.

Pidgey