[Crazy bird lady]

Hi all,

Hoping for a bit of advice on what to do. A falcon attacked my birds while they were flying out this afternoon. Thankfully I got them all back, though one has a wound on the back of his neck. The skin has been sliced open, almost full thickness and about 3/4 inches long, but it has bled very little. I think the way the feathers were pulled out too suggests he met the beak end of the BOP. I saw the falcon go after him, but they were in the trees before contact, so I don't know exactly.

He had a meal and a drink when he got back, and seems to be ok overall. I'm keeping him quiet tonight. What will I need to get him in the morning?

 

[kingdizon]

PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO A.S.A.P.
http://youtu.be/Chmhq3xAeiM

Honestly, and im sure others will probably have better solutions, but if he didn't bleed out a lot, and he had a drink and some food, I would apply some Neosporin to the wound, A.S.A.P.

 

[Jaye]

I would actually separate him and keep him inside, on heat. Flush out the wound if you haven't already. You could apply a topical antibiotic cream if you like...but the main thing is to make SURE all bleeding has been stopped (this also means making sure the bleeding isn't still happening under the skin once a scab begins)...AND start him on an oral antibiotic ASAP...definitely w/i the first 24-36 hrs. after the attack.

Penicillin, Amoxycillin, Cipro/Baytril/Enroflaxin, Augmentin, Ceclor, Ampicillin....anything like that. You fly Homers so I assume you know the proper dosages. If not, come back and someone can direct you to them.

Glad to hear everyone made it back alive. The falcon is out there, has probably been casing your loft for a week before he actually made his move. So keep an eye out...once you become aware a falcon or hawk is around, they are not very hard to spot even when they think they are in hiding.

 

[Skyeking]

The bird needs antibiotics asap, a topical cream for the wound and also augmenten, baytril or other such antibiotic to take internally to keep infection out.

 

[kingdizon]

Found this for you,for reference.....

Wounds: One day our society may ban weapons of any kind, but until then one may find a pigeon who has been shot. Sadly, this foul practice is not uncommon because pigeons receive no legal protection.

A puncture wound is generally painful and may bleed. Only a vet can tell if the pellet is still present and remove it to prevent infection. Part the feathers and clean the area with iodine. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure for a full minute with a finger, swab or cotton bud. This is vital since all birds have a small blood volume and movement accelerates blood loss. Keep the patient still. Heavy panting or laboured gasping may mean imminent death.

Contrary to popular belief, pigeons, as other birds, are commonly caught by cats. Typical injuries are scratches or holes under the wings or on the back with considerable feather loss. In all cases, even if it seems recovered, antibiotics from a vet are necessary since cat's teeth carry bacteria. The formulary page may provide your vet with some assistance in determining dosage. Clean the wounds with TCP, saline solution or antiseptic spray. Half an aspirin can be given if the pigeon seems in pain. Warmth and quiet are essential before seeking professional advice. Bells on cat's collars and keeping pets in at night help to reduce casualties.



You may want to look up falcon deterrents....

 

[Crazy bird lady]

I am very new at flying my birds. These guys are the offspring from my starting pair.. The oldest is 8 months and the youngest is three months. I've only been flying for about 3 months and I don't race (yet, maybe). I have flushed the wound with saline and treated with iodine.
There hasn't been any further bleeding.
I've also raided the medicine cabinet, but alas, no antibiotics. Are any you mentioned available at pet supply stores? I will get the neosporin suggest in the video, great advice there, thanks. I imagine it may come in handy.


So, I'm quite worried now about flying them. I tracked the culprit down to an Australian Little Falcon.. The first I've ever seen. I'd quite like my pigeons to remain off the menu. :S

 

[Crazy bird lady]

Here's an image of the wound. It closes up when the feathers are down.

 

[kingdizon]

Ooo...also try to find an Avian vet in your area if you can. You can never be too sure or safe. Im far from an expert but i would think a couple stitches wouldnt hurt along with checking for any infections..he should be fine with the right medical care. Poor guy

 

[Crazy bird lady]

He's a sweet boy. He's not a bully like the rest of the silly oafs.

 

[Jaye]

CALL Jedd's or Foy's Pigeon supply ASAP, and buy some Amoxycillin or Penicillin and have it OVERNIGHT shipped. If you can get it by Saturday Noon, that may be soon enough.

This is really a necessity. The smallest claw scratch from a predator's talons can infect a bird and that infection will overrun the Pigeon's circulatory system w/i 48-72 hours....and 72 hours is really, really cutting it way too close for comfort.

http://www.jedds.com/-strse-1093/AMOXYCILLINUM-100-tablet/Detail.bok

http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/m...-and-treatments/1311-foys-amoxicillin-tablets

 

[Quazar]

I would also add contrary to an above post - DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN

 

[Crazy bird lady]

The vet has given me Clavulox drops (0.6ml twice daily) and Entrotril (0.2ml once daily) for 10 days. Dub has had his first dose, and has cleaned up his seed today. He looks good considering the wringer he's been through. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[kingdizon]

The vet has given me Clavulox drops (0.6ml twice daily) and Entrotril (0.2ml once daily) for 10 days. Dub has had his first dose, and has cleaned up his seed today. He looks good considering the wringer he's been through. Thanks everyone for the advice.

thats great news! keep us updated

 

[Jaye]

Fabulous, well-done.

Kinda funny...we all skipped the most obvious advice: find a Vet !!!!

...keep us posted....

 

[Quazar]

Fabulous, well-done.

Kinda funny...we all skipped the most obvious advice: find a Vet !!!!

...keep us posted....

I presumed that was coz the op was in Australia & the usual dificulties elsewhere are even harder there

 

[Jaye]

Ah....astute.

 

[Crazy bird lady]

I presumed that was coz the op was in Australia & the usual dificulties elsewhere are even harder there

You're right about that. All the city vets I contacted in my area (even the specialist avian vet) refused to give me any medication without a (very expensive) consultation. Luckily, my mum lives out in the country, and has a wonderful local vet who had no issue with drawing up the dosages for me.

Guys back in the loft with his buddies now. He was adamant he wanted out of his hospital cage at 6 this morning.

 

[kingdizon]

You're right about that. All the city vets I contacted in my area (even the specialist avian vet) refused to give me any medication without a (very expensive) consultation. Luckily, my mum lives out in the country, and has a wonderful local vet who had no issue with drawing up the dosages for me.

Guys back in the loft with his buddies now. He was adamant he wanted out of his hospital cage at 6 this morning.

Doctors always want expensive consultations.
How is he doing? How is the wound healing up? Sounds like hes happy to be back with his buddies

 

[Crazy bird lady]

I'm amazed at how well he's healing.

Here's the wound tonight.. the skin has covered the gash again.

Nice and bright.

 

[kingdizon]

It looks a lot better. Happy he's gonna be A o.k. He's a handsome boy