Pigeon Vaccinations

[jascolt]

I will be filling my newly built pigeon coop with birds and wanted to ask everyone if you vaccinate your birds and if so with what. I saw the listing for Foy's 5 in 1 on the hall of fame post about pigeons but that is really more than I want to spend on shooter birds and its way more than I need. I would like to know if there is something I could purchase at the local feed store and if so how is it administered? I plan on having about 20 birds captured from under bridges.

Thanks

[ezzy333]

I wouldn't worry about them. Just catch and use.

Ezzy

[topher40]

I would have to agree with Ezzy, Pigeons are HARD to not care for properly. If you are only getting shooter birds I wouldnt worry about it. If you had some high dollar show pigeons then you might want to worry. I dont think I have ever lost a pigeon from an illness. Sounds like your getting ready to have lots of fun, Good Luck!

[jascolt]

Thanks for the replies. I am not really worried about bird health as much as I am about them transmitting something to my son or to myself. And no he won't be sleeping in the loft, although it is plenty big enough (I built a walk-in like in the hall of fame post), but I am sure he will be arround the pigeons quite a bit. Do I have valid concerns here or nothing to worry about?

Thanks

[topher40]

Your concerns are valid, but I havent ever had any problems. That doesnt make it right, just telling you from my experiences. Probably the most prevelant concern would have to be hystoplasmosis. Hysto is a respitory fungus primarily contracted by inhaling the dust and such off of the pigeon droppings. My pigeon lift is 20ftx20ft and my son loves to go in there with the net to try and catch birds for me. I dont however EVER let him in when I am cleaning the pen. Not sure if that helps....

[ezzy333]

My kids and grandkids spend time in cleaning and feeding and we have never experience a problem. Some people have developer allegies but that is true with most everything. Either way, vaccinations wouldn't help with any ordinary problems with being around them.

Ezzy

[Rick Hall]

Then, too, there's Pigeon Lung, "A form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Pigeon Lung is caused by the inhalation of the avian proteins found in feathers and dung. It can sometimes be combated by wearing a filtered mask." Which I do when cleaning nest boxes. Not wishing to be "one of those old pigeon guys wearing a respirator" is one of the reasons behind my super-well-ventilated, largely-hoseable loft design that requires next to no scraping or other dust stirring.

But I'm not paranoid over it, and can't help but think those who believe pigeons particularly dirty or unhealthy to be around best stay far away from chickens. There is absolutely nothing I love more than my grandchildren, and I'm not afraid to have them with me in the loft or handling the birds.

[ohiogsp]

Feral pigeons can carry all kinds of stuff but it is very rare to get any of it. I stopped using ferals for that reason long ago and just bought homer/racers instead cause they are alot healthier. Maybe I would have never got anything but I just didn't like to chance it. I do know people who have got sick from ferals before and it can happen.

[jascolt]

Ok, thanks to all. I suppose there is no combatting the histo. or the pigeon lung other than reducing dust from droppings and feathers. Though this may be impossible because when you enter the loft and one flushes right up side your head your bound to recieve a snoot full.