[NewWithPidgies]

Hi again I let my pigeons free the first thing in the morning until dusk when its dark and they return to their homes. I think apart from spending time on the roofs all day, they sometimes come down and peck the soil, sand and tiny stones. I believe this is completely normal. But I'm worried they might get pathogens of many sorts that way. They could get ill if they picked any disease causing organisms or they could simply pick eggs of parasitic worms, which could be disastrous. So is there any kind of antibiotic or something that'd kill any harmful pathogens they might've had ingested which I can administer to them on a regular basis to make sure what they're eating isn't harming them? Please advice so that I may take action asap. Thanks in advance for any valuable suggestions given
~Ash

 

[John_D]

Not advised to give antibiotics unless birds have a specific problem. Some people do what they can to help birds' immune systems with garlic in the water, and cider vinegar. A wormer is OK though fanciers would be better able than me to give you pointers on how frequently.

 

[Jass SamOplay]

Unless you know what is the disease there's no point giving any med to the birds. Antibiotics cost on pigeon's body. They not only kill harmful but friendly bacteria too which is highly disasterous for the birds. Not only it upsets their system, it also makes pigeons prone to fungal and protozoan infections.
That's why people provide the birds with grit so they get what they need from within the loft.
Adding organic apple cider vinegar to their drinking water weekly or twice weekly helps their gut by supplying probiotics and making the gut environment acidic, making it unfavorable for bacteria, protozoa and fungi to thrive in. Acv also prevents birds from dehydration in peak summers.

It isn't good to let pigeons stay out of the loft for the whole day. Anything can happen. And they can munch on so many undesirable things.
Once 2 of my never before flown Teetra Pigeons escaped from the loft when I opened the door to get in. Thankfully they stuck around but didn't enter the loft for many days until they were seriously sick. When I trapped the sick birds I immediately flushed their crops to find out what they were eating for 5-6 days. When I flushed their crops I found pieces of bread, chappati, green algae and small LIVE snall shells. They ate shells in disguise of grit/oyster shells. And those snails carry harmful bacteria enough to make'em sick.

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Not advised to give antibiotics unless birds have a specific problem. Some people do what they can to help birds' immune systems with garlic in the water, and cider vinegar. A wormer is OK though fanciers would be better able than me to give you pointers on how frequently.

Is there like a general wormer? I thought there are like specific wormers depending on the type of worms. But still, I'd like to know more. I noticed a worm, I believe it was a tapeworm, in the dropping of one my pigeons a couple of days ago.

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Unless you know what is the disease there's no point giving any med to the birds. Antibiotics cost on pigeon's body. They not only kill harmful but friendly bacteria too which is highly disasterous for the birds. Not only it upsets their system, it also makes pigeons prone to fungal and protozoan infections.
That's why people provide the birds with grit so they get what they need from within the loft.
Adding organic apple cider vinegar to their drinking water weekly or twice weekly helps their gut by supplying probiotics and making the gut environment acidic, making it unfavorable for bacteria, protozoa and fungi to thrive in. Acv also prevents birds from dehydration in peak summers.

It isn't good to let pigeons stay out of the loft for the whole day. Anything can happen. And they can munch on so many undesirable things.
Once 2 of my never before flown Teetra Pigeons escaped from the loft when I opened the door to get in. Thankfully they stuck around but didn't enter the loft for many days until they were seriously sick. When I trapped the sick birds I immediately flushed their crops to find out what they were eating for 5-6 days. When I flushed their crops I found pieces of bread, chappati, green algae and small LIVE snall shells. They ate shells in disguise of grit/oyster shells. And those snails carry harmful bacteria enough to make'em sick.

Yes Jass I understand. Its just that their loft isn't done just yet. And I don't want to trap them in boxes 24/7. But I do let them out a little late in the morning, so that my army of chicken and ducks are out first. Most of the times they charge at the pigeons every chance they get and do not let the pigeons stay on the ground. But sometimes they do land on the ground, when the other birds are busy somewhere else. Most of the times I see them pecking at dry soil and little stones.

 

[Jass SamOplay]

Ok.... You're an animal lover. Nice to know. So you have that many pets or you have a farm. Just curious to know if you don't mind

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Yes I'm an animal lover and a proud vegan too I do have considerable amount of animals like Dogs, guinea pigs, ducks, chinese ducks, chicken and of course the pigeons. Its not a farm though. Previously we also used to have rescue cats, rabbits, goats, albino mice and some weird chicken like birds with dotted pattern on feathers and crests on their heads. Lol. I aspire to specialize in vet and animal medicine and want start an organisation and a proper medical centre for animals and introduce animal rights to my town as there isn't any. There is no authority for the punishment of animal cruelty. I want to do something for the cause of these poor souls. I wish we had animal rights like in the US.
There are a lot of tribals clans here (socially civilised ones, not as wild as you might think) who eat almost anything that moves, and all kinds of plants. Their choice in non veg ranges from flesh of snakes, monkeys, dogs, cats, some specific kinds of rats/mice and sparrows to all sorts of insects, and what not. Given the chance, they'll eat flesh of elephants too. Its kinda weird. And sad. I believe every animal has the right to a peaceful existence as much as we do.

 

[Jass SamOplay]

Wow! I'm vegan too but I'm surprized to know that you're a vegan especially considering the locale who anything that comes their way. You're a tough man with beautiful thoughts. And I really pray that you be able to become a highly qualified vet and present your services to the needy.
Bless you...
Check animal welfare board of India site.

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Thanks Jass. Means a lot. Because not many people appreciate my intentions here and no one really cares, most being addicted to consuming flesh, and the others don't really care as to what happens to these poor creatures devoid of any rights. As a matter of fact, young boys are seen moving around with catapults in order to hunt down the innocent birds. They kill snakes, garden lizards and many such reptiles and birds for no reasons. Just for fun. Not necessarily out of need. It appears Purely insane and ridiculous to me. Enraging. So serving as an animal specialist is something I've always wanted to do, right from my childhood. A firm dream. Immovable. So it doesn't matter whether they approve or not. My goal is to create awareness regarding importance of animal welfare which indirectly relates to ecological welfare too. I also want to plant love for animals in the hearts of people here. Thanks for the support. I appreciate it

 

[Jass SamOplay]

Is there like a general wormer? I thought there are like specific wormers depending on the type of worms. But still, I'd like to know more. I noticed a worm, I believe it was a tapeworm, in the dropping of one my pigeons a couple of days ago.

Albomar is a broad spectrum dewormer that kills almost all the worms. You can give it to your chicken and ducks BUT its unsafe for pigeons. Some have bad experiences with it when they used it on pigeons while others don't or they didn't care to bother. I've personally nearly lost a healthy as horse homer pigeon to it.
For pigeons you need a dewormer that has praziquantel in combination with pyrantal pamoate and ivermectin or praziquantel in combination with either one of the latter drugs. That would be safe for pigeons. And don't let your poultry/ducks etc mix with your pigeons. You may keep them on same property but atleast 20 feet away from eachother.

 

[kiddy]

Yes I'm an animal lover and a proud vegan too I do have considerable amount of animals like Dogs, guinea pigs, ducks, chinese ducks, chicken and of course the pigeons. Its not a farm though. Previously we also used to have rescue cats, rabbits, goats, albino mice and some weird chicken like birds with dotted pattern on feathers and crests on their heads. Lol. I aspire to specialize in vet and animal medicine and want start an organisation and a proper medical centre for animals and introduce animal rights to my town as there isn't any. There is no authority for the punishment of animal cruelty. I want to do something for the cause of these poor souls. I wish we had animal rights like in the US.
There are a lot of tribals clans here (socially civilised ones, not as wild as you might think) who eat almost anything that moves, and all kinds of plants. Their choice in non veg ranges from flesh of snakes, monkeys, dogs, cats, some specific kinds of rats/mice and sparrows to all sorts of insects, and what not. Given the chance, they'll eat flesh of elephants too. Its kinda weird. And sad. I believe every animal has the right to a peaceful existence as much as we do.

Great thoughts. Amazed to see people in India think so much about critters. I never met any in my life in this country and so I just loved this site where people were selflessly wanting to help others about birds. Though I wanted other sites for rest of animals where people can be helped about other critters too but still I find pigeons very lucky to have such forums.
I had a same dream to be a vet but no one supported me neither friends nor family. Everyone had a topic to laugh upon and even some gave me James Herriot books on funny vet stories like " it shouldn't happen to a vet " etc. nobody could ever like what I felt for critters. I really appreciate your views on animal rights and pray for you that you get successful in your mission. India really needs it.

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Albomar is a broad spectrum dewormer that kills almost all the worms. You can give it to your chicken and ducks BUT its unsafe for pigeons. Some have bad experiences with it when they used it on pigeons while others don't or they didn't care to bother. I've personally nearly lost a healthy as horse homer pigeon to it.
For pigeons you need a dewormer that has praziquantel in combination with pyrantal pamoate and ivermectin or praziquantel in combination with either one of the latter drugs. That would be safe for pigeons. And don't let your poultry/ducks etc mix with your pigeons. You may keep them on same property but atleast 20 feet away from eachother.

Are these found in combination? If so, what are their names? I'm visiting a nearby city and purchase these if available. Thanks,

 

[NewWithPidgies]

Great thoughts. Amazed to see people in India think so much about critters. I never met any in my life in this country and so I just loved this site where people were selflessly wanting to help others about birds. Though I wanted other sites for rest of animals where people can be helped about other critters too but still I find pigeons very lucky to have such forums.
I had a same dream to be a vet but no one supported me neither friends nor family. Everyone had a topic to laugh upon and even some gave me James Herriot books on funny vet stories like " it shouldn't happen to a vet " etc. nobody could ever like what I felt for critters. I really appreciate your views on animal rights and pray for you that you get successful in your mission. India really needs it.

Thanks kiddy. I appreciate your support. Even I'm laughed at by family and friends at these idea of mine. I find myself alone in this. But suddenly finding support from the members here I feel I'm not so alone hopefully I'll get through. We really do need such things here in India, especially here in the wild zone of north east where biodiversity blooms at its peak. I might Soon be starting a blog. Do follow. Much appreciation and love. Thanks

 

[kiddy]

Thanks kiddy. I appreciate your support. Even I'm laughed at by family and friends at these idea of mine. I find myself alone in this. But suddenly finding support from the members here I feel I'm not so alone hopefully I'll get through. We really do need such things here in India, especially here in the wild zone of north east where biodiversity blooms at its peak. I might Soon be starting a blog. Do follow. Much appreciation and love. Thanks

Yeah for sure, all Indians esp critters' lovers should join hands together, my full support is with you.do tell me about your blog, I will be first to follow.of course you aren't alone when it comes to do something for critters' need , care and love. I am also here among who wants to do something for them so for any need about them just send me a pm. Thanks for your helping heart for those needy ones. Big smile for you and my prayers for you to be a greatest vet ever, all the best.

 

[Jass SamOplay]

Are these found in combination? If so, what are their names? I'm visiting a nearby city and purchase these if available. Thanks,

Ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate are easily available under names Hi-tek and nemocid(for humans) respectively. These two kill almost all types of worms pigeons have except for tapeworms. For tapeworms these meds come in combination. Common brand is bendystar.
If you can get ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel(for tapeworms) separately, that also will do.