Sickly`Homing Pigeons

[watrfowlr870]

I hope someone can help!!

I have two adult homers that are acting very wierd. Just out of the blue i noticed that one of my homers was unable to walk. It was pushing itself around with its wings. I thought its legs were broke, but once i got ahold of it and set it in its nest box within a few minutes it was able to stand. Now i have another pigeon acting the same way.

They both can fly and walk until i let them out. I take them out and throw them into the air to encourage the whole flock to fly around. Once they start flying they immediately lose coordination and crash or fludder to the ground and have no use of their legs. This paralysis last for awhile and then they can walk.

I quarentined them for a few days and they were able to fly and land and walk, but just four days later the same symptoms are back.

I cleaned the coop very well as usual. Do these birds need to be euthanized if symptoms persist. I'm thinking its PARAMYXOVIRUS, is there a treatment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Jeremy

[TAWhatley]

Originally Posted by watrfowlr870

:I cleaned the coop very well as usual. Do these birds need to be euthanized if symptoms persist. I'm thinking its PARAMYXOVIRUS, is there a treatment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Jeremy

Possibly PMV, possibly paratyphoid (salmonella). If you can, please get the birds tested by a vet so you know what you are dealing with. Both PMV and paratyphoid can be dealt with if you're up to the task. There isn't really a treatment for PMV other than good supportive care, but paratyphoid can be whipped with Baytril. It could also be something totally different, so getting some tests done would be important.

Terry

[pdpbison]

Hi Jeremy,


Jeeeeeze, this sounds like a wierd and scarey situation you have there.

I'd say, get them to a decent Avian Vet pronto, and see if they can make a diagnosiis. Gather some of their poops and refridgerate them even in a little zip lock to bring with you in case they want to do some tests on those.

You could call 'Foys' and describe the symptoms, or also send (next day air or the likes) two tablespoons full of zip-lock sealed poops to them for analysis...

If it is a Virus which is effecting their brains or nerves, it is certainly serious...but I myself have no experience with something like this to compare it to.

Get on it though, see if you can call a good Avian Vet in your area and talk with them and see if they will examine the Birds...


Good Luck,

Phil
Las Vegas

[feralpigeon]

Hi Jeremy,

You didn't mention where you're from, so here is a link to check out that
gives names of Avian Vets state by state. If there is one close by, I'd get them
in pronto for evaluation so that you can begin a treatment plan. If you are truly thinking of euthanizing, hopefully you would turn them over to an avian vet
or rescue/rehabber in your area instead. Continue to keep them isolated and
please keep us posted.

Thanks,

fp

http://www.pigeons.com/prd.htm

[upcd]

Cintinue to keep them seperate from the main flock. Get testing done. Watch other birds good for any showing of disease. If you can't test give the birds to a rehabor. If thier to bad consider your alteratives. Give them warmth,food and water. Check post: lifesaving.