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Respiratory, One Eye Colds, Ornithosis
Respiratory infections are very common in pigeons. They are the
major cause of poor performance in performing birds such as Racing Homers,
Rollers, Tippler and High Flyers. Young birds under stress seem most
vulnerable because they have not developed a strong immune system.
Respiratory is not a disease, but may be the result of several organisms
and can be caused by several combined circumstances. The respiratory
system can be infected by such things as: Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, E-Coli,
Fungi, Viruses and even mites. Stress weakens birds and makes them
more vulnerable. Dampness, overcrowding, dirty lofts and over training
may lead to respiratory problems and are best treated orally or in the
drinking water. Sneezing in a loft, if it is occasional, is normal.
Open beak breathing is one of the earliest indications for the detection
of respiratory problems. Hot weather is particularly stressful to
all birds and the principal methods that pigeons have for shedding excess
heat are open beaks and will often occur in hot weather. Overweight,
out of condition birds will often exhibit open beak breathing.
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