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Birds--General/Racing Pigeon

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Expert: - 5/5/2007


Question
I have a racing pigeon that is not as happy as it is normally, it won't fly and has bad breath. Please can you help me.

Answer
Hi, Geoff.

I need more detailed information about your situation before I can try to help.  You'll need to describe why you don't think your bird is as happy as it is normally...what is s/he doing or not doing that is out of the ordinary.  Your bird might not be flying due to a wing problem, problem in the chest/back muscles, if female she might be going to lay eggs, the bird could be sick, it could have a problem with a foot/leg, etc., etc.  Are you racing this bird?  

I've had racing pigeons for a long time and been around people with all types of pigeons for a long time, and I've never heard anyone talk anything of bad breath in pigeons, nor have I read anything about bad breath in pigeons in all my research.  

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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