Many people assume that pigeons are hardy birds that rarely get sick, but in reality they are masters at hiding illness as a survival instinct. This means that by the time you notice something wrong, your pigeon may already be quite unwell.
Learning to spot the subtle early signs of illness in pet pigeons is crucial for getting them timely care. Unlike dogs or cats, pigeons have unique behaviors and physical cues that indicate their health status, from changes in droppings to alterations in their cooing patterns.
Changes in Droppings and Digestion
One of the most reliable indicators of a pigeon’s health is its droppings. Healthy pigeon droppings consist of three distinct parts: a dark solid portion (the feces), a white or cream colored part (the urine or urates), and a clear liquid component (the urine). Any deviation from this pattern can signal illness.
Watch for watery or completely liquid droppings indicating diarrhea, which can stem from infections, parasites, or dietary issues. Green or yellow droppings may suggest liver problems or bacterial infections, while droppings that are black or tarry could indicate internal bleeding. Also note any undigested seed in the droppings, which may point to a digestive issue.
A pigeon that is straining to pass droppings or has a pasty vent (feathers around the vent stuck together with feces) also requires attention. Keep a daily eye on the droppings as they can change quickly with the onset of disease.
Respiratory Signs and Breathing Abnormalities
Respiratory infections are common in pigeons and can be serious. Listen for any unusual sounds such as wheezing, clicking, or rattling when the bird breathes. A healthy pigeon breathes quietly through its nostrils with the beak closed.
Look for open mouth breathing, tail bobbing (where the tail moves up and down with each breath), or a discharge from the nostrils or eyes. The area around the eyes may appear puffy or swollen, and the bird might sneeze or shake its head frequently.
Pigeons can be affected by air sac mites, fungal infections like aspergillosis, or bacterial infections such as mycoplasma. Any of these can cause labored breathing. Also check for a change in the color of the cere (the fleshy area above the beak) which may become pale or discolored with respiratory distress.
Behavioral Changes and Lethargy
Pigeons are naturally alert and active birds. A sick pigeon often becomes lethargic, sitting fluffed up for long periods, with its head tucked under a wing or its eyes half closed. It may lose interest in food, water, or its usual activities such as preening or interacting with its mate.
Other behavioral signs include reluctance to move, staying on the cage floor instead of perching, or a change in its vocalizations. A normally vocal pigeon may become quiet, or conversely, it may make distressed sounds. Watch for a drooping wing or lameness, which could indicate injury or joint infection.
Any sudden aggression or withdrawal from the flock is also noteworthy. Pigeons are social and a solitary, withdrawn bird is often a sick bird. Pay attention to how quickly the bird responds to stimuli and whether it seems weak when trying to fly or walk.
Physical Signs: Feathers, Eyes, and Weight
The condition of a pigeon’s feathers can reveal a lot. Sick pigeons often have puffed up, ruffled feathers that they do not smooth down. They may stop preening, leading to dirty, broken, or disheveled plumage. Look for bald patches or excessive feather loss, which might indicate parasites or self-plucking due to stress.
Eyes should be bright, clear, and fully open. Dull, sunken, or half closed eyes suggest illness. Also check for swelling, discharge, or redness around the eyes. The cere should be clean and a consistent color, without swelling or crusting.
Weight loss is a critical sign. A healthy pigeon has a firm, well muscled breastbone (keel) with a gentle covering of flesh. If the keel feels sharp or prominent, the bird has lost weight. Regularly feeling the keel can help you detect gradual weight loss. Additionally, a pigeon that is not eating will have a crop that feels empty or doughy when palpated gently.