UkPigeonRacing

The youngsters and actually some of the old birds aren’t quite right. Some of the droppings have been a bit loose and one youngster was sick a couple of days ago, although only twice. It was “Steve” Buster. He seems ok though, still chasing the others around. They also don’t seem as keen to eat. They all look well and are flying well. It could just be the heat. I was going to give them another trainer towards the end of the week but may wait until I’m happy with them again. They seemed very jumpy last night and I had trouble getting them down onto the loft. While we were sitting out having a cup of tea they kept on taking off. I have got a sparrowhawk coming around regularly but not causing any trouble at present the birds don’t like it. I did have one come in last night covered in blood from an injury under its wing. Several flights were matted with blood. I don’t think it was the hawk as no other injuries. I think more likely she hit something. Still came out for a fly this morning and afternoon and seems ok.
I do have a youngster with a growth on the side of it’s neck. I think it’s a cyst which should drop off on its own.

Sounds bit like YBS but with them striking off possibly rules that out, maybe keep them in for couple days and see how they go, hope the injured one recovers ok, the hawk wouldn't think have that effect on them I know it does but that does not sound like fear sickness

That's not what you want, Andy.
It always worries me when the pigeons have droppings which range from nice and normal, to wet and not good. I tend to think that some sort of disease is in the loft and they are working through it. Which they will.
Many will disagree with me, but I think the best treatment is a warm loft, rest, constant use of the scraper, (very important), and plenty of Apple cider vinegar. What I hesitate to do is open the drug cupboard.
If I had a drug cupboard
What I love to see is dry clean perches and boxes. I just went out, opened the loft door and pointed the camera in. FLASH!
Not a posed picture, but the perches are clean and dry, and the pigeons are well. The bit of grain on the perches is where I give them all a wee pinch of feed once they go to the perch. Worst thing I ever did. Now they demand it!

Nice pic of nice birds there Pete, sorry to go off piste but had to comment

Things certainly aren’t any worse today. If anything more back to normal. There were plenty of good droppings along with a fair bit of down this morning. They trapped well tonight. So hopefully just a little blip.

I should think so, Andy. If they are on the mend already, it must have been something they ate, or one of them picked up a bug.
If they are shedding down it's a sign that that they are getting better.

Andy wrote: ↑Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:36 pm Things certainly aren’t any worse today. If anything more back to normal. There were plenty of good droppings along with a fair bit of down this morning. They trapped well tonight. So hopefully just a little blip.

Really good to see

The birds are bouncing again now. What ever it was it didn’t last long or cause any real harm. The droppings are good, they are keen to feed and fly and there is down everywhere again.

Andy wrote: ↑Fri Aug 05, 2022 9:20 pm The birds are bouncing again now. What ever it was it didn’t last long or cause any real harm. The droppings are good, they are keen to feed and fly and there is down everywhere again.

Great news mate

Good to hear.