Parasites (পরজীবী) : Like all animals pigeons have their share of parasites, these are species specific as far as feeding on their host goes but they do not discriminate about who or what they walk over. ◘ Pigeon feather lice (slender feather louse)-- The most visible and common parasite to be found on a sick pigeon on the wings and on the breast, the are small, long, brown scurrying (not jumping) lice that feed on feather dust. Johnsons Pigeon Insect Powder (I dont know its available in BD) disposes of these. It is easiest if two people work together to de-louse the pigeon, one holding the bird and covering its eyes and beak to protect it while the other person parts the feathers and spreads the powder sparingly on the breast, under the wings and over the body. For a feral pigeon 4 gentle puffs of the powder from the plastic bottle should be sufficient. ◘ Pigeon Fly (Flat Fly)-- This is a blood sucking fly that not very often seen on feral pigeons but shows a preference for wood pigeons so is worth looking out for if you rescue one. It looks similar to the house fly but has a hard body and moves sideways between the feathers, disappearing quickly. To kill flat fly you will need to use Johnsons Veterinary Pigeon Spray. (Dont know about your availability) ◘ Coccidia-- This is a protozoal parasite that affects the pigeons digestive tract, it weakens pigeons and opens the door to other infections. ◘ Tapeworm-- Not all the pigeon wormers available are effective against tapeworm, fortunately it is not a very common parasite in a pigeon. Tapeworm infestation can be identified by what is perceived as tiny little rice sized worms leaving the poops and dying. These are actually tiny egg sacs full of tapeworm eggs and the parasite will still be in the body. Most of the popular wormers available for pigeons do not tackle tapeworm so I use Belga Wormac Tablets if Tapeworm is suspected. Please note, however, that these tablets have been designed for racing pigeons weighing 400 + grams(I dont know its available in BD), so you will need to reduce the size of the tablet proportionately for a feral pigeon, collared dove, nestling or juvenile. ◘ Roundworms-- These thin worms that are about an inch long are very common in pigeons and can be treated with any pigeon worming tablet or Harkers 3 in 1(I dont know its available in BD). Please note, however, that these tablets have been designed for racing pigeons weighing 400 + grams (I dont know its available in BD), so you will need to reduce the size of the tablet proportionately for a feral pigeon, collared dove, nestling or juvenile. Roundworms tend to weaken pigeons and I have found they are often a factor when a pigeon without wing damage is unable to fly. ◘ Hairworms-- Hairworms cannot be easily detected except by the symptoms of infestation which are: • Diarrhoea • Pasted vent feathers • Loose, dark green, sticky poops • Weight loss • Lethargy • Fluffed up feathers • Rapid weight loss Harkers 3 in 1 will treat hairworms, but the size of the dose should be reduced according the the size of the bird, based on a single dose being designed to treat a 400 gram pigeon (I dont know its available in BD). Source: Pigeon & Dove
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:40:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015