My newest rescue pigeon is very ill.. I am at a loss to know what is wrong and how to proceed. I can not find any disease that fits this birds symptoms.
I have rescued and helped over 10 pigeons in my life. This one has me stumped!
Found in middle of road at 2 am in morning.
No injuries... feathers, wings, legs and feet all perfect condition (not like an impact with a car).
Emaciated.. just feathers and bone (so have been sick a while before I found it).
Eyes swollen closed.
I rehydrated the bird over 24 hours. It was very thirsty and drinks very well when I put its beak in the rehydration solution.
Housed it in a brooder with heat pad.
Started feeding defrosted peas by popping them into back of the beak. (will not feed or drink on its own as eyes shut.
It started pooping... very small flat poops, but normal colour.
Next day one eye was able to open (although eyelids are very swollen).
TODAY both eyes can not open.
There is no discharge from the eyes, or crusty matter. Only the eyelids seem swollen. One eye is much worse.
I have started mixing chick feed crumbs in a paste with the peas and making small soft pellets. It takes these well.
But today the poops are very strange,. I have not seen anything like it.
The poops are quite thick... and a light cream in colour.. the consistency and look of cream. It is not pooping as often as it should. There is no smell to the poops.
The bird never moves or sits down. It just remains standing in one position.
It is quite strong when I handle it for feeding and has put on some weight already.
The bird has a strange strong smell about it. Kind of musty. Now its vent is getting dirty with the thick creamy poops.
I need to know if anyone knows if there is a sickness that matches these symptoms.
It is breathing normally. Not fluffed up at all.
I am most worried about the eyes. They are so swollen. If I can not get any major improvement in the next 2 days I think I have to put it to sleep.
I hate to give up on her.
Thank you.
I have rescued and helped over 10 pigeons in my life. This one has me stumped!
Found in middle of road at 2 am in morning.
No injuries... feathers, wings, legs and feet all perfect condition (not like an impact with a car).
Emaciated.. just feathers and bone (so have been sick a while before I found it).
Eyes swollen closed.
I rehydrated the bird over 24 hours. It was very thirsty and drinks very well when I put its beak in the rehydration solution.
Housed it in a brooder with heat pad.
Started feeding defrosted peas by popping them into back of the beak. (will not feed or drink on its own as eyes shut.
It started pooping... very small flat poops, but normal colour.
Next day one eye was able to open (although eyelids are very swollen).
TODAY both eyes can not open.
There is no discharge from the eyes, or crusty matter. Only the eyelids seem swollen. One eye is much worse.
I have started mixing chick feed crumbs in a paste with the peas and making small soft pellets. It takes these well.
But today the poops are very strange,. I have not seen anything like it.
The poops are quite thick... and a light cream in colour.. the consistency and look of cream. It is not pooping as often as it should. There is no smell to the poops.
The bird never moves or sits down. It just remains standing in one position.
It is quite strong when I handle it for feeding and has put on some weight already.
The bird has a strange strong smell about it. Kind of musty. Now its vent is getting dirty with the thick creamy poops.
I need to know if anyone knows if there is a sickness that matches these symptoms.
It is breathing normally. Not fluffed up at all.
I am most worried about the eyes. They are so swollen. If I can not get any major improvement in the next 2 days I think I have to put it to sleep.
I hate to give up on her.
Thank you.