Purebred Pigeon SepOct 2024

22 – Purebred PIGEON while at the show. Finally, some exhibitors advocate the use of preventative medications prior to the show day for illness like canker or coccidia. Reducing these parasites can also improve your birds immune response to anything they may encounter at the show. The other important factor prior to leaving for the show, is to have a designated area to house your birds when returning from the show. If this area is prepared ahead of time, you can quickly unload your birds into this clean and isolated space upon your return. You and your birds will be tired after a show and potentially long travel day. This assures your birds can quickly transition back to their home environment, resume feeding on familiar food and access water after the stressful trip. Ideally, having separate large spaces for cocks and hens can further reduce strain on the already stressed birds. Some showmen/women like to prophylactically treat their birds with probiotics, vitamin supplements or medications upon their return. This has some pros and cons depending on what products you select to use. Water additives can reduce intake and hydration of your already stressed birds, so choose carefully. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can create resistance among the bacteria in your loft. Especially if you are unsure what you are treating or improperly dosing your birds. Anti- biotics have no effect against viral disease and should not be used as a preventative against viral infections. A good defense against returning with infectious disease to your loft is proper preparation of your birds prior to the show and assuring your birds are in top physical condition. Your show boxes and other equipment can also be con- taminated while at the show. Dust and bedding will be stirred up during any pigeon show and can settle on your equipment. A thorough cleaning of your show boxes and a spray down with a quality disinfectant can reduce the risk of them being a source for infection to your birds in the future. Viral particles and bacteria in dried pigeon droppings can be a source for future health risks to your birds. Removing these materials and decontamination of your equipment will protect the health and security of your loft. In spite of your best efforts for protection of your birds, having a plan for dealing with illness after they return can be beneficial to your birds and minimize the spread. Your plan should include resources to help you identify what infectious agent is impacting your birds and properly responding to that illness. Having a veterinary resource that can test and identify the cause of death or illness quickly and accurately will protect your entire flock. A single bird’s illness or death can be dis- appointing, but multiple deaths are cause for alarm. Knowing how to collect samples and submit them for testing ahead of time can help you get in front of a potential disaster. Keeping a list of resources and contacts that you can use, should you have a problem upon your return from the show, can save you time in the face of disease introduction. Good preparation, prior care, and proper management of your birds can minimize the impact, if you unfortunately bring infected or ill birds from the show. A good loft keeper is always prepared to deal with the inevitable problems we encounter during our pigeon journey. Just like everything else in life, having a show plan and preparing in advance can benefit your birds. Your best defense is putting effort into raising and preparing the healthiest birds for the show cages. Our pigeon hobby deals with living things and multiple problems can impact their health and wellness. Therefore, anything that you can do to prepare and prevent illness will pay off in the health and vitality of your loft. The presentation of a healthy and exceptional bird to represent your loft is one of the most exciting parts of this hobby. Assuring the continued health of each individual bird and your loft is vital to progress in your pigeon journey and improve your breed. I wish everyone a safe and healthy show season. Good luck!!! Tim England DVM is a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State Univer- sity and has a special interest in birds and avian medicine. He is a founding member and a director of the Komorner Tumbler Association. He raises Komorner Tumbler pigeons at his farm in Southwest Michigan. © 2024 Tim England DVMAll Rights Reserved