Disease Prevention Measures for Pigeons at Different Production Stages

(1) Squab pigeons during the brooding period

Pay attention to preventing trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is mainly transmitted directly to squabs by parent pigeons carrying the parasite. Check whether parent pigeons carry the parasite, and if so, treat them promptly. Pay attention to preventing pigeon pox. Pigeon pox is generally prevalent from March to June, so vaccination and mosquito control should be carried out well. Once it occurs, surgical treatment should be given promptly. A small amount of low-toxicity mosquito-killing spray can also be sprayed on the squabs to prevent mosquito bites, but never use too much. In addition, pay attention to preventing coccidiosis, mycoplasma, Salmonella and other diseases.

(2) Young pigeons kept for breeding

Young pigeons newly entering the loft have just left their parent pigeons and find it hard to adapt to environmental changes for a time. This is a relatively major stress and can easily induce disease. At this time, some antibiotics can be used for prevention. At the same time, an appropriate amount of vitamins and mineral supplements can be added to improve the pigeons' disease resistance. In addition, do not suddenly change the feed formula, as this affects appetite.

(3) Young pigeons during the molting period

At around 50 days of age, pigeons begin to lose the 1st primary wing feather, then replace 1 feather every 13 to 15 days, continuing until they start laying. Molting is a kind of stress produced by the pigeon itself. It not only consumes a large amount of energy, but also requires a large amount of nutrients for new feather growth. Therefore, they are most prone to illness during the replacement of the 1st and 2nd feathers. At this time, attention should be paid to supplementing nutrition and increasing vitamins and trace minerals to improve the pigeons' disease resistance and reduce deaths.

(4} Breeding pigeons during the pairing period

Once breeding pigeons are successfully paired, they are immediately put into production. Before pairing, pay attention to increasing the content of protein feed. An appropriate amount of hempseed can be added, which has the effect of increasing the fertilization rate. Before starting to lay, a medicinal bath should be given once to kill external parasites, and some antibiotics and deworming drugs should be given so that the breeding pigeons can be put into production in healthy condition.