Just also found this in my files which has become Time relevant. Be very consistant to prevent the following; Hi Guys, just wanted to share (and you should share too) a few words about a VERY COMMON problem which can start as soon as the eggs hatch. I have folk calling me everyday, telling me that they have something terribly wrong in there stock loft (usually). Now I am not just targeting this at newer members cos most of the time the people that call have bin racin donkies years!! This is totally preventable. Symptoms described are; Terrible lose wet droppings on floor and in boxes that appeared suddenly overnite. This only happens whilst old birds are feeding young usually from about 5/8 days old onwards to weaning. Everyone screams paratyphoid down the phone and they become (in some instances) paranoid. The problem in 99% of all cases is “Man Made”, yes you, you did it?? Typical scenario!! Below is how conversation normally goes Fancier; Pigeons got para Me; What makes you think that.? Fancier; wet droppings all over stock loft n boxes Me; Did you do anything different in last couple a days? Fancier; no! same as every other day. Me; Is it only a problem to pairs feeding/stock loft? Fancier; yes just stock bods Me; think back! Did you put down Grit/Matrix type product(s) in day/nite before? Fancier; yes, filled pots with grit mix Me; Was this after noticing there was none in there already? Fancier; Yes! Been meaning to fill em a day or two Me; Did the birds go “Ape Shit” for it? Preferring this to food? Fancier; yep, wudny eat food just grit. Diagnoses; You just salt poisoned your team. Remedy; Team will get over it within day or two, (no need to start pumping anti-biotics) Prevention; You’ve gorra be consistent with the grit/clay/pick/Matrix type products, the right amount each day cannot be measured, depends on how many birds and how many of these are feeding young. You have to work it out on a daily basis. If you miss just one day their craving for salt goes thru the roof and they often refuse food which in turn causes a secondary problem of green bialy droppings with the old and young in nest, then fanciers start screamin E-Coli – Cocci – Wet Canker etc. Tip; Provide salt 24/7 in another form, e.i. Horse salt licks! The size of a house brick costs about 3/5 quid and can be broken into 4 with a hammer, lasts ages. Comes in many flavors. Now it’s gunna attract moisture so put it in a galipot and stick it out in the aviary or somwheres where it can’t get soiled. Dunt matter if it goes damp!! Chances are you will hardly ever see a bird touch it, that is until the normal grits etc. run out. This though is not meant as a re-placement but as an emergency back up!!! Hope this helps somdy!!
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 23:15:28 +0000