baby pigeons with multiple bumps on necks

[Amy Tinker]

We have 2 baby pigeons around 2 1/2 weeks old. They both have these meaty looking bumps on their neck. One of the pigeons has a lrg one right under beak on the neck. Is this serious? This is my first time hand raising pigeons. We found them after a bad rain storm soaking wet and shivering. We live here on the East Coast....amy

[TAWhatley]

Hi Amy and welcome! Thank you for helping these young birds!

What you describe does sound like avian pox (I saw where someone in the General section also thought this). It doesn't have to be fatal .. it is sort of like humans getting chicken pox. The lesions (warts, meaty things) should be swabbed with diluted Betadine to help dry them up so they drop off , and you must be sure the birds are getting enough to eat and drink. It may also be necessary to provide supplemental heat for them (which you may already be doing as they are quite young).

With avian pox, I would also start the birds on antibiotics to stave off any bacterial infections that may take hold due to the weakened condition of the birds.

Can you post any pictures for us .. that would help to determine if this is really avian pox or something else?

Do you have other birds? If so, be very careful about your hygiene to avoid transmitting something from the baby pigeons to the other birds.

Please keep us posted.

Terry Whatley

[Amy Tinker]

Thank you for explaining to me what to do. I do have 2 cockatiels in cages in a seperate room. Because I didn't know whether it was contagious I have been very careful with cleaniness. I will use the Betadine and antibiotics. Thanks! Amy

Originally posted by TAWhatley:
Hi Amy and welcome! Thank you for helping these young birds!

What you describe does sound like avian pox (I saw where someone in the General section also thought this). It doesn't have to be fatal .. it is sort of like humans getting chicken pox. The lesions (warts, meaty things) should be swabbed with diluted Betadine to help dry them up so they drop off , and you must be sure the birds are getting enough to eat and drink. It may also be necessary to provide supplemental heat for them (which you may already be doing as they are quite young).

With avian pox, I would also start the birds on antibiotics to stave off any bacterial infections that may take hold due to the weakened condition of the birds.

Can you post any pictures for us .. that would help to determine if this is really avian pox or something else?

Do you have other birds? If so, be very careful about your hygiene to avoid transmitting something from the baby pigeons to the other birds.

Please keep us posted.

Terry Whatley