Symptoms of a Sick Pigeon

Pigeon diseases often have the same symptoms but they may be very different in terms of fatality and severity. There are some signs and symptoms that are very easy to notice while others need a very keen eye. What are some of the signs and symptoms of a sick pigeon?



Dizziness
This is one of the most common sign of illness in almost all birds. Birds exhibiting this symptom will stay still for a long time and always seem as if they are sleepy. This sign is easily noticeable and if you see a dizzy pigeon whether wild or tamed, you should call animal control services as it may transmit the disease to other birds in your farm.

General body weakness
This symptom varies in the level of severity. However, all sick birds with general body weakness have difficulties in walking and often fall from time to time. This sign may be a characteristic of the late phase of a disease and you should call a veterinary if your pigeons start showing this sign.

Extremely wet, hard or smelly discharge
This is a symptom that may take some time to notice, especially if your pigeon house is dirty or has not been cleaned recently. Hard droppings may be a sign of constipation which is not common in birds. If you see this sign, you should know that your pigeons might be suffering from a disease.

Drooped wings
This is a sign common to most bird diseases. The pigeons may also appear weak and motionless.

Inactivity
Pigeons are very active birds. If you notice that your pigeons have been inactive for a long time, chances are that they are suffering from an illness. However, you should make sure that they are sick by checking for other signs of illness like weakness or dizziness.

A change in the color of pigeon droppings
Normal pigeon dropping is white. Although the normal may vary depending on the type of food they feed on, certain colors like green and black are signs that your pigeons may be suffering from an illness. Blood in the droppings also means that they are sick.

A change in feather appearance
There are very many variants of this sign. This include; dull feathers, abnormal barring, excessive falling of feathers, misshaped feathers, matted feathers especially on the head and also bald spots.

Feet abnormalities
These include shifting feet, abnormal nail growth, swollen joints and feet, and also lameness.

Eye complications
The most common sign that affects the eyes is partial blindness.

Respiratory problems
There are very many known respiratory problems. However, not all of them show in birds. The most common problem in pigeons is breathing problems which may sound like snoring.

Changes in eating habits
This may include vomiting, loss of appetite, discharge from the mouths and also swellings in the crop area.

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