Possible Canker

[Bonnie]

I'm relatively new to the pigeon world, but, from what I have been able to read on the Internet, I think there is a possibility I may have a baby bird with canker. He seems to be having difficulty breathing and is shivering. I can feel a hardness just below the trachea. The mother is off the nest, and I was considering trying to feed but don't know if I should.

This is the third baby bird (two have died) with a problem in the last two weeks. My question is what can I do (if it is canker) to prevent it spreading. Is there medication I can put in the water, etc.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

[Birdmom4ever]

Canker is likely as it's very common and nearly all pigeons carry it to some degree. Yes, there are a number of medications you can use in the water. Order some ASAP from one of the pigeon supply houses: Foys, Global, Siegel or Jedd's.

But the baby needs treatment right away. How old is he? If still in the nest and Dad is feeding him, best to treat him in the nest. You didn't say how old he was, but I'm guessing a couple weeks? You should be able to get Metronidazole from the aquarium section of a pet store. Brand name is Fishzole. Break the tablets in half and give the baby half a tablet once a day for five days and see how he does. I have to warn you though, that by the time a chick has a big lump and is obviously unwell it's often too late because canker has overwhelmed their system.

For future reference it's a good idea to treat your flock with a product that addresses Canker (trichomoniasis), coccidiosis and worms before breeding. I treat my birds several times a year as prevention and I treat any new birds for these things while they are in quarantine, before adding them to my flock. I like Global's Multi-Mix.

Both Foy's and Global have good recommendations on their web sites for health maintenance programs. They're a good starting place for beginners.

-Cathy

[Birdmom4ever]

Here's a link to Global's site:

Multi-mix:

http://globalpigeon.com/gps.php?action=showprod&id=8

Medication Program: http://globalpigeon.com/gps.php?action=show&id=ghp

[ceren]

Bonnie, I'm in SF - Call me and I can get you what you need for canker for the baby, and it'd slightly be faster than ordering from the companies. I've PMed you my phone number.

[Birdmom4ever]

Originally Posted by ceren

Bonnie, I'm in SF - Call me and I can get you what you need for canker for the baby, and it'd slightly be faster than ordering from the companies. I've PMed you my phone number.

That's very kind of you, Ceren. Hopefully she can find some Fishzole for the baby TODAY, though. And she should order some Multi-mix for flock treatment anyway. Time is of the essence for this baby.

[Bonnie]

Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. I have printed the replies and will check the Web sites.

[Bonnie]

Just ordered the Multi-Mix and it's on the way. Sounds like something I should have already been using. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Birdmom4ever]

That's good, Bonnie. Were you able to get any Fishzole today?