I may not be a whole lot of help as far as things to cure this or that, but I can tell you some things I give my birds and what it's good for.
Garlic
- Natural antibiotic and anti-fungal, inhibiting/killing about 24 kinds bacteria and 60+ types of fungi and yeasts. Aids in healthy blood circulation and purifies their systems, overall boosting the immune system. Garlic has sulfur in it, so those who like to use sulfur to help rid of bugs, garlic is probably an easier way of going about preventing them. And two more things to think about, is that garlic is thought to help with dissolving lactic acid, which is what causes an animal's muscles to get very sore and bound up, so if that is true, it could be helpful after a race...and it's also been found to have anti-cancer properties.
There are 5 ways to give garlic.
1. Powder. Make sure it isn't garlic salt, but garlic powder. Put a little bit of oil (if nothing special is available, light olive oil will do) on the feed (a little goes a long way) and sprinkle some powder on the feed. Enough to where you think you've covered all the feed, but not to where it looks completely coated, LOL. I never really measure it with this stuff, just usually pour a 'cap full' into it, which of course would vary depending on the container. So I'm going to say a tablespoon or two for an ice cream (gallon) bucket full of food, ahaha.
2. Oil. You can put this on the feed the same way as you would if putting powder on. You can add whatever you'd like, or just put the oil on the food by itself.
3. Capsules. You can get the gel kind at walmart or anywhere with vitamin pills. For individual treatment you can just give the bird one of these. Depending on how big the bird is, you may need to find solid pills instead of gel calsules, because I've noticed some of the smaller breeds like rollers, haver a much harder time getting them down. So therefore, they'd need to be cut down to size.
4. Fresh cloves in the water. Crush up a few and put them in a gallon of water. Let it sit over night and give to the birds the next morning. This allows plently of time for the garlic to soak and get in the water. Otherwise your birds may drink it before the garlic really does any good in the water.
5. Garlic juice in the water. I am not sure the dosage of garlic juice per gallon of water, since I haven't gotten to use it yet. You wouldn't have to let this sit though, just add it in and stir or shake (best in a milk jug) then give to the birds.
Apple Cider Vinegar
- Another natural antibiotic. Helps sterilize the crop and water, and is great for discouraging salmonella. Creates an acidic environment in the digestive tract which helps good bacteria grow. Lots of trace elements/minerals and enzymes in the 'mother', which are beneficial to the pigeons' health.
Dosage is one tablespoon per gallon of water. While typical brands will still give you the acidity, the most natural and organic kind you can find, with the 'mother', is ultimately the best. With as much ACV as I use, brands like Bragg's are too expensive for me, but I would like to start getting some every once in a while when we can afford to.
Crushed chili pepper
- Parasite control, in and out. Reduces levels of a compound that contributes to inflammation and pain. They think it may help prevent cancer and heal lung problems as well.
I just sprinkle some over the top of their food.
Honey
- Natural antibiotic and overall 'miracle food' in my opinion. Works wonders with healing injuries when applied to the wound with a bandage. Helps keep infection away of course, but I've found it to help heal on a much faster pace. Honey contains sugars glucose and fructose, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate.
Also has vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3, and copper, iodine, and zinc. All kinds of good things that your birds' diet may or may not be lacking depending. Has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help a lot with calming and soothing race birds upon return. The sugars will also help restore energy. Can help with diarrhea and vomitting because it promotes rehydration of the body.
I'm sure there's a lot more to honey than that, but I'll stop there. I give my birds local pure honey, not the kind they stick in bottles at walmart. Helps support local beekeepers and is better for the birds.
I'm sure you've all heard of the bacteria honey can contain that is harmful to babies. Because of that bacteria, I wouldn't give it to squeakers until a few weeks after weaning. I've heard some horror stories of giving honey to feeding parents and newly weaned young because of this bacteria. As they grow, their immune system builds up to where honey isn't a threat anymore.
May or may not be the case all the time, but I like to take precautions for these sorts of things.
Dosage is one teaspoon per gallon of water. Easier to mix with water water, then let cool. Good for going to the race, and upon return, in my opinion.
Cinnamon
- Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, and helps keep clotts and blood impurities away, which helps with overall blood circulation of course. The odor has been found to improves brain functions/activity (especially memory), and helps with blood sugar control. Antibacterial and antifungal as well, being proven active against candida (yeast infections and thrush) and bacterias responsible for stomach ulsers. Also helps with parasite control. Good source of fiber, iron, and calcium. Last but not least, aids in riding digestive problems like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and indegestion (sounds like a better tasing Pepto Bismol, LOL).
I give one teaspoon per gallon of water, usually along with honey, since the combination has been helpful for people with joint issues and arthritis.
Charcoal
- Adsorbs many different types of poisons, gases, chemicals, and drugs (so make sure the charcoal is taken away during medication periods. If it's in your grit, you will want to take that away for sure.), making them ineffective. Keep in mind this is adsorbtion, not absorbtion. It just attracts things to its surface and holds them there. Eases inflammation and bruises. It relieves symptoms of diarrhea, spastic colon, indigestion, and stomach ulcers. Adsorbs external would secretions, toxins, and bacteria.
The best charcoal is the activated charcoal, which you'd find in red grit.
Grapeseed extract
- Great for stimulating the immune system, and helps with various types of worms, parasites, and fungi and yeast infections. Good for more than just us and birds, but other pets to. Can be used for body odor, cuts and wounds, ear infections and mites, fleas, hoof disease in horses, mange, ringworm, and a good skin cleanser. Helps with diarrhea, and raises the pH level of the body, making it harder for many bacterias, including cancer, to live and cause problems. Saying that, it also works like ACV in that it makes a nice place for good bacteria to grow. Contains antioxidant properties, helps the body fight over 800 viral and bacterial strains and 100 fungi strains, detoxes the body, and helps with scar healing. I'm sure there is a lot more to the GSE than we know of right now. Another one of those 'miracle' things most people probably don't even know about.
I've seen the Grapefruit seed oil at the health store, along with GSE pills. Next time I go I'm going to pick up some of the oil and use it on the feed a couple times a week to either help powder stick, or just by itself.
