Ally Mac
57 posts
Aug 31, 2005
5:13 AM
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I have a cock that has been in a nest box with its hen now for about 4 months, he seems rather listless and a bit of sorts. Tends just to stand with slightly ruffled feathers, the hen appears ok as do the rest of the birds. One of the nest boxes where a pair are feeding squabs at the moment gets sodden wet, I am changing the shavings every 5 or six days.
I did have an egg that died a couple of weeks ago, looks like it maybe died around 9 or 10 days. Also one squab from a pair has really struggled to gain in size, though his mate is getting bigger by the day.
None of the birds have been treaded for canker since before they were paired up but there is no sign of any deposits on either the young or old birds. Yesterday I gave all the birds some Norcanker in their water and am planning to give them a weeks dose as for an outbreak rather than a days dose for preventative.
Is this the right course of action? Does it sound like it could be canker or possibly something else. Am I over reacting?
All advice appreciated.
Al.
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
346 posts
Aug 31, 2005
7:09 AM
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Hey Al, when was the last time you de-wormed this bird? I have seen birds with this look and treated with Wazine wormer and seen a pile of worms alive and dead come out in the droppings.
What's interesting is a hen can be perfectly fine while its mate is losing wieght and looking miserable while in the same nesting compartment!
After treating first with Wazine (Ascarid-worms) and then following up with Sulmet (anti-bacterial) and then a couple doses of viamins and electrolytes within 3 or 4 days the cock bird was acting like its old self and chasing the hen around the breeding compartment.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
347 posts
Aug 31, 2005
7:18 AM
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Hey Al, it is not unusual for pairs that are feeding youngsters to have runny droppings that soak the breeding compartments making a mess of it!
Assumming you have de-wormed the birds (I have done this while they are feeding youngsters and have seen no ill effects on the youngsters)give them vitamins and electrolytes in their water to replenish what they are losing. They should be fine
You might also notice that these pairs consume alot more water, so you may have to provide a larger waterer for these kinds of birds.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
348 posts
Aug 31, 2005
7:42 AM
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Hey Al, hard to pin point what may have ruined those eggs. Could have gotten cold or mild case of E.coli which has been known to kill developing embryos.
If it is E.coli, it doesn't sound like a severe case or many of your other birds would be showing symptoms. I suggest using Sulmet to ensure this pair has it under control.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
349 posts
Aug 31, 2005
7:46 AM
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Hey Al, as long as the runt is not diseased and getting a good amount of feed at every feeding, it should be okay. I use pellets so I know a runt is getting all its nutrients.
I currently have a Fireball roller pair with a runt in its nest but it is growing and looks healthy, just that it is smaller compared to its nestmate.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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Ally Mac
58 posts
Aug 31, 2005
2:19 PM
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Tony.
Thanks for the advice, unfortunately the cock passed away last night. He had not lost any significant weight and wasnt eating everything in sight so would that rule out worms?
Nor was there any visual signs of canker.
Does that leave paratyphoid? I did have an outbreak last year before i got this bird and treated all the birds, disinfected the loft and made it mouse proof.
The cock in question appeared to be infertile since I got him in March, I tried him with 2 different hens but got no fertile eggs. Is this a symptom of paratyphoid.
I have not long since taken delivery of 4 Graham Dexter birds on loan and am getting a pair from Dave Mosely when he is sorting out his stock birds. I am obviously terrified to risk any more of my current or future birds.
In your opinion should I call a halt to any more breeding this year sterilise and treat everything, or sterilise, treat everything and carry on. I was keen to get as many youngsters as possible this year but do not want to risk the birds.
I have to say I am feeling a bit scunnered.
Al
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upcd
27 posts
Sep 01, 2005
1:15 AM
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You may have been reinfected. Stop breeding and treat with Baytril. This will cure the problem. Follow up with probotic 8-10 days. Black eggs, reduce growth of young and sudden death are signs of your anwser.
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J_Star
40 posts
Sep 01, 2005
10:25 AM
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It appears to be you still have mice problems. Perform a test to determine if you do or don't. If you can't see them don't mean you don't have them.
Jay
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Ally Mac
60 posts
Sep 02, 2005
1:24 PM
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Just ordered more 1/2" square mesh, going to be busy this weekend cleaning and modifying loft. I have Baytril which I will treat the birds with from tommorrow. There are 4 squeakers still being fed by their parents, am I right in thinking the baytrill will treat them at the same time? I also have 2 eggs to hatch next week, should I dump them? I dont want to treat now and have new infected squabs starting the problem of again.
All advice appreciated.
Al.
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