When the ybs are out for hours, does anyone know if they are flying the entire time? Ive noticed some nasty green droppings in my loft. I was wondering if they got into some nasty food/water. I guess this is a two part question. I gave them aueromycin-sulmet (sp.?) in the water. Is this a good antibiotic, am I doing this correct?
Thanks, Matt
Matt,
There is a wide range of opinion on the matter of medication to begin with. I have my own opinions on the subject, and so I will share mine...free of charge.
Personally, I think it is bad management to throw stuff in the water, and then ask questions later. But, to be truthful, that is the society we have become, and it should come as no surprise, that fanciers have also been very quick to resort to drugs, even when they are clueless as to what may have caused the condition.
If your child developed a runny nose, or a loose stool, would you mix up a batch of your aueromycin-sulmet and have them drink it ? No, unless you are an unfit parent, you would take the kid to a Dr. and have the problem diagnosed. But, for some unknown reason, when it comes to our pigeons, we simply reach into our stash of drugs, and starting pouring the stuff into them.
Since, out of necessity, we must become our own avian veterinarian, it behooves us, to study up on the subject matter, as the frequent use and misuse, and/or abuse of anti-biotics, will surely result in numerous and frequent medical problems. Like Ad Schaerlackens has said, new fanciers should stay away from vitamins and drugs. I have practiced this concept with our new members at our York Racing Pigeon Club, and my observation has been, that on the whole, they have healthier pigeons then the old timers who will give drugs at every sniffle.