What causes feather pecking in pigeons? Detailed explanation of prevention and control methods
Feather pecking often occurs in pigeon breeding. Feather pecking is a normal behavior in poultry, but frequent self-pecking or pecking each other causes a large number of pigeon feathers to fall out, seriously affecting pigeon production. So what causes feather pecking in pigeons? What should be done? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.
1. Nutritional deficiency
The main cause of feather pecking in pigeons is nutritional factors. An imbalance of protein and amino acids in the pigeon's body can lead to feather pecking. In addition, a lack of vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc and other trace elements can also lead to feather pecking. Electrolyte imbalance and excessively high copper content affect the pigeon's metabolism and can also cause feather pecking.
Prevention and control methods: For the problem of nutritional deficiency, strengthen nutritional management at ordinary times, reasonably match the feed ratio, and keep the nutrient supply balanced. Feeding Zhuoyuling and multivitamin electrolytes can solve feather pecking caused by nutritional deficiency.
2. Diseases and parasites
During pigeon breeding, due to factors in the rearing environment, pigeons become infected with mold or other infectious diseases, which affect the pigeons' absorption of nutrients, especially digestive tract diseases. When nutrient absorption is blocked, the growth of pigeon feathers is affected, which will cause pigeons to peck feathers. In addition, when pigeons are infected with mites or external parasites, the body surface itches, causing them to constantly peck feathers to relieve the itching.
Prevention and control methods: Strengthen the management of the breeding environment, keep the cages clean, and disinfect and sterilize regularly. For feather pecking caused by diseases and parasites, first determine which disease it is, then prescribe the right medicine and treat it well. For parasites, spraying or applying Gemanling is enough.
3. Excessive stocking density
A relatively high stocking density will not only make pigeons grow slowly and be unfavorable for feed conversion, but also make them prone to disease, resulting in a higher mortality rate of pigeons, as well as poor growth of weeds, pigeons and corn. When pigeons eat, they will fight for food and water, causing feather pecking.
Prevention and control methods: A reasonable breeding density is the prerequisite for promoting healthy growth of pigeons. Generally, except in winter, it is not suitable to increase the breeding density of pigeons at other times. When breeding density increases, the corresponding feed and drinking water must also be increased, otherwise feather pecking is very likely to occur.
4. Poor lighting and ventilation
When the light is strong, pigeons become extremely excited, causing mutual pecking. On the contrary, when ventilation is poor, carbon dioxide and toxic gases increase, causing pigeons to become restless, their feed intake to decrease, and their own nutrition to be insufficient, resulting in feather pecking.
Prevention and control methods: Breeding pigeons requires appropriate lighting, but it should not be under strong light. They should be raised under relatively dim conditions, and ventilation should be strengthened to prevent pigeons from developing irritable emotions.
The above are the causes of feather pecking in pigeons and the prevention and control methods. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more about pigeon breeding knowledge, please follow us.