Double D
44 posts
Oct 21, 2005
7:24 PM
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Gentlemen, for a new guy looking to get started, I'm overwelmed with what items I should have on hand for medicines, de-wormers, vitamins, lice control, etc.
I would greatly appreciate any help you might be able to give me listing brands, what they're used for, and the supplier you get them from. What I'm really looking for is what a newbie would need to really put together an all-encompassing health treatment program to keep the birds in optimum health as well as address illnesses. Thanks in advance for your responses.
Darin
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Alan Bliven
269 posts
Oct 21, 2005
9:40 PM
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The bottom line is prevention and that comes about by preventing stress in your birds. That would entail keeping the food and water clean of feces, avoid overcrowding, giving high quality and the correct type of food and grit, keep the water fresh as possible, giving sunshine and fresh air, keeping the lofts as clean as possible etc. How to accomplish these things is another story altogether.
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Alan
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MCCORMICKLOFTS
205 posts
Oct 21, 2005
9:56 PM
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Darin, the list could get quite long if you were to get everything you would possibly need. But there are some good general things that every pigeon fancier should have on hand for those "just in case" situations.
MEDS:
4-N-1 (A good general antibiotic with ingredients that are meant for a broad range of ailments.)
Baytril tablets (Excellent for attempting to save those really sick birds that are ailing from an bacterial problem)
Spartrix or Ridzol (Great for curing Canker)
I would say these three would be at the top of the must have list for a new fanciers. You can increase the number of meds you possess as you go. I have three times as many meds on hand now as I do in the house for the family..lol. Some drugs are designer types and work better than others, but these three seem to be invaluable most of the time.
For wormers Ivomectrin is quite popular. It is also known as sheep drench.
For vitamins I prefer Vita-Pro Combo which also contains pro bios and electrolytes. There are many different types of vitamins available and most if not all are quite benificial.
For pests, again, there are many to choose from. I prefer Permectrin II which I put in the bath water. Sevin is effective for around the loft and in the nest boxes. Purge spray is handy for when you find some lice on a bird when you are handling it. It is a spray that you can just spray on the feathers.
You should also have Apple Cider Vinegar for the water, given twice a week to acidify the birds and their surroundings.
It is also strongly advisable to vaccinate your birds once a year for PMV.
Alan gave some good advice and if I might add, the two most important things I can think of to maintaining the health of your birds is keeping the loft DRY and not overcrowding each pen or loft. Every bird should have a perch available to them. Most lofts which succumb to illnesses usually have overcrowded pens and mice.
Brian.
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Phantom1
53 posts
Oct 21, 2005
10:06 PM
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For any easy, and effective way of dealing with mites and lice, take a pair of pantyhose and cut off one of the legs. Stuff the toe with 5% Sevin Dust. Hand that from the ceiling of your loft at a desirable height. The birds, flying around will do the work for you. This is of course, assuming that your loft is somewhat well ventilated. The dust is not harmful to you or your birds unless excessively breathed in over time. I've used this method for over 10 years.
Eric
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nicksiders
252 posts
Oct 21, 2005
10:33 PM
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Good feed; fresh clean water, some vitamins, some minerals, a spray for mites, clean living quarters, some red grit.
Don't medicate when they are healthy, don't over work them when it is hot.
Keep it simple.
Throw the rest of the shit away.
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motherlodelofts
381 posts
Oct 21, 2005
10:52 PM
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Good post Nick , I might add keeping the loft acidic by useing vinigar in the water and an acidic loft dressing does wonders also.
AND DO NOT BRING IN STRANGE BIRDS has to be at the top of the list for a healthy loft. The door is slammed shut as far as outside birds go around here.
Scott
Last Edited by motherlodelofts on Oct 21, 2005 10:53 PM
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Bluesman
Pigeon Fancier
521 posts
Oct 22, 2005
3:39 AM
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Scott.What about folks stopping by to look at your birds.Do you allow access to your lofts or should everyone be careful/respect each other so as not to carry something from one loft to another?
My one son raises Goats.Not just any goats but high priced goats.(to me anyway) He has a Huge pile of money in his herd and no one (including me) goes around/into his buildings without first having their shoes sprayed with something.
This Avian Flu thing could reach a very high level before its done.Just wondering what the conseus is with everyone that raises rollers.
I have always allowed anyone access to my Lofts to look around but have started to wonder if this is a good idea.It has taken years of hard work not to mention a lot of money to be at the point I am now.I don't have that many years left to try to start from scratch again.But on the other hand I don't want anyone to think I am hiding something in my breeding program either.LOL.Any thoughts or suggestions? David
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Velo99
121 posts
Oct 22, 2005
6:23 AM
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Guys,
I do believe until this thing blows over, we should maybe limit our exposure from other lofts. Cut back on visits? Use latex gloves and booties?
A few questions to consider. If Big Brother moves in who is going underground? Do you have an inside location to move a small breeding program to? This is the only way some poultry producers are allowed to continue. I feel we could lose our kit birds. Although the AI takes many forms, it would seem that all strains are now being targeted. Many of which are not harmful or contagious. How far will our esteemed leaders go? As stated this could get real nasty.
MTC
v99
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J_Star
82 posts
Oct 22, 2005
6:44 AM
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There is noting to fear but mice droppings in your loft and contaminated feed by them. Allowing strange birds is the second on the list. Other than that, pigeons are hardy birds and can sustain any harsh environment.
Also don’t forget to keep on your list of medication is antibiotics. You need to keep two different kinds of them so that bacteria can not become immune to any one of them.
Jay
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Double D
45 posts
Oct 22, 2005
10:14 AM
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Guys,
Thank you all very much. I really appreciate the help. It's so nice to know a person has a forum like this where they can get almost instant answers from those who know what's going on.
Darin
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motherlodelofts
386 posts
Oct 23, 2005
12:30 PM
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Dave you bring up a very good point on who should be allowed in your loft and no doubt it should be a concern.
When I come home from others lofts generaly I change clothes and shoe's and wash up.
You just can't be to careful.
Scott
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