Pigeon

Trichomoniasis (canker)

SignsYellow-white cheesy lumps in the mouth or throat, trouble swallowing, bad breath, rapid weakening in young birds

PreventionChange drinking water daily and wash the container. Quarantine new pigeons. Spreads from parent to chick by crop feeding, so test before breeding

Psittacosis (chlamydiosis)

SignsLethargy, green watery droppings, eye or nasal discharge, labored breathing. Many carriers show no symptoms

PreventionDo not let droppings build up; dampen before cleaning. Ventilate well. Quarantine and test new pigeons. Wear a mask, as it spreads to people

Pigeon pox

SignsYellow wart-like scabs on the beak, around the eyes and on the feet, white membranes in the mouth, difficulty eating

PreventionPut mosquito netting on the loft. Isolate infected pigeons. Do not pick off scabs

Paramyxovirus infection

SignsTwisted neck, unsteadiness, circling, watery droppings, excessive drinking. Nervous signs are characteristic

PreventionDiscuss vaccination of racing pigeons with your vet. Avoid contact with feral pigeons and quarantine new birds

Salmonellosis

SignsSwollen joints and drooping wing, green diarrhea, weight loss, death of chicks

PreventionKeep feeders and drinkers clear of droppings and wash daily. Keep rodents out. Isolate affected pigeons and see the vet

Roundworms / coccidia

SignsThinness, dull feathers, diarrhea, weight loss despite eating

PreventionRemove floor droppings daily. Have fecal exams done regularly and deworm as your vet directs

Wing fracture or dislocation

PreventionDo not startle the bird into thrashing. Remove protrusions and gaps in the loft wire

First aidHold the wing against the body and wrap lightly in a towel. Press gauze on any bleeding. See the vet the same day

Thread or hair wrapped around the feet

PreventionRegularly clear thread, fishing line and hair from the floor. Always check the feet of rescued birds

First aidWarm the foot, then cut the thread with small scissors. See the vet if it has cut in or there is tissue death

Wounds from cats or raptors

PreventionBuild the loft so cats cannot get in. Avoid releasing pigeons when raptors are active

First aidPress on bleeding and keep warm in a dark box. Even small wounds carry infection or internal injury; see the vet immediately

Collision with windows or power lines

PreventionClose curtains and mark windows during indoor free flight. Release only in good weather

First aidRest and warmth in a dark box. See the vet the same day if unsteady, bleeding or with eye problems

Psittacosis

RouteInhaling dust from dried droppings or secretions

PreventionWear a mask and dampen droppings before cleaning. Pregnant women and the elderly should avoid pigeon care

Cryptococcosis

RouteInhaling dust or soil contaminated with droppings

PreventionDo not let old droppings build up. Wear a mask when cleaning. People with weak immunity should not enter the loft

Salmonellosis

RouteOral infection from hands that touched droppings

PreventionWash hands with soap after pigeon care. Do not wash equipment in the kitchen sink

Red mite (dermatitis)

RouteMoves from pigeons or nests to human skin

PreventionDo not leave old nests or bedding. If itching appears, clean the loft and see a doctor

Food

• Pigeon grain mix (corn, legumes) twice a day, morning and evening
• Grit (small stones) and mineral salt always available
• A little leafy greens. Rescued feral pigeons can eat the same diet

Water

• Water deep enough to dip the beak into, available at all times
• Change water daily and wash the container well

Toys & play

• Bathing in a shallow dish (2–3 times a week)
• Scatter grain on the floor for foraging
• Interaction with a mate or flockmates is the best enrichment

Nest, bed & hideout

• Nest bowl with straw or jute twine
• Perches with dividers so each bird has its own spot

Bedding & litter

• Change newspaper or pet sheets daily
• Keep floor litter dry, never damp
• Remove droppings before they turn to dust

Cage / housing material

Wooden loft with wire mesh. Indoors, a large bird cage. Easy to clean

Size & space

At least 60 cm wide per bird. Loft: at least 0.3 sq m per bird

Layout

• Place perches, food and water where droppings cannot fall on them
• Put nest bowls in a quiet, high spot
• Put the bath dish where it can be removed

Placement notes

• Well-ventilated spot out of direct sun and rain
• Built so cats, rats and wild birds cannot get in

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Racing pigeons: daily trained release
• Indoor birds: 1 hour of free flight a day with windows shut
• Rescued feral pigeons: no release; exercise indoors

Temperature & humidity

Temperature10–28°C. Keep sick birds warm at around 30°C

Humidity40–60%. Avoid damp and mold

Summer & winter

• Summer: provide shade, ventilation and fresh water
• Winter: windbreaks, block drafts, keep water from freezing

Nail trimming

When long, trim just the tip, avoiding the blood vessel. If unsure, ask the vet

Brushing, skin & coat care

No brushing needed. Offer a bath dish 2–3 times a week to keep feathers clean

Other care

Check for an overgrown beak, scabs on the feet and dirt on the cere (nose wattle)

Protection from predators

• Wire mesh that keeps cats and weasels out of the loft
• Avoid releasing at times and places with many raptors
• Mosquito netting to prevent pox

Foreign-body ingestion

Grit is needed, but glass, plastic bits and fishing line are dangerous. Clear small objects off the floor. See the vet for loss of appetite or regurgitation

Being stepped on

Pigeons walk around on the floor, so watch your feet. If stepped on, do not touch the wings or legs; rest in a dark box and see the vet if it cannot walk

Getting pinched

Wings and legs get caught in doors and sliding cage doors. Open and close slowly, checking where the pigeon is first

Falls

Falls are rare since they fly, but clipped or sick birds fall from heights. Rest them in a low place

Escape

Double up windows and doors. Racing pigeons home, but rescued feral pigeons will not return. If one escapes, put food and flockmates at the feeding spot and wait

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and stay quiet
2. Wrap the bird, wings and all, from behind with your free hand
3. When it relaxes, gently hold the beak and release
4. Return to the cage to calm down

After the release

Pigeon bites are mild. Wash any wound under running water and disinfect. See a doctor if it swells

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Photo of droppings, diet, condition of other pigeons, and for rescued birds the place and date found. Call an avian vet ahead

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Consciousness: does it respond to touch or sound
• Breathing: watch the chest rise and fall. About 30–40 per minute at rest
• Heartbeat: put your ear to the chest. About 200 per minute

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for 5 minutes or more
• For a bleeding feather shaft, do not pull it out; press and see the vet
• If it will not stop, keep pressing and go to the vet

Transport

• Dark box or carrier lined with a towel
• Keep warm with a hand warmer and carry gently without jolting