What Is It With Me And Pigeons?

[Tilly2]

Another thing to worry about!

During the last two weeks there have been four feral pigeons in my garden which have been unwell. They start off just sitting around looking lost, then they try to fly and can't. They end up dragging themselves about with their wings.
The workmen, last week, took two of them home as one of them kept pigeons. Alas, they both died. The third one just keeled over behind a shrub. That ended up in the bin and now there's another one. I have caught it and put it in a pet carrier and will take it to the local vet to be put down, later this afternoon.

Does anyone know if there is some kind of virus affecting feral pigeons, or may someone be poisoning them?

Any ideas?

[gness]

Could give the RSPB at Sandy a call, Tilly...x

[Tilly2]

I'll do that Gness. I didn't think of that. I'll do it now. :-)

[Tilly2]

Just done that, Gness.
They were really helpful. Apparently, they are aware of the problem. It's trichomonosis, a parasite which affects greenfinches, pigeons, doves and some birds of prey.

They have recommended that we stop feeding the birds and keep the bird baths empty. The disease is passed on through contact. We need to try to disperse our flock of pigeons. There are likely to be more poorly birds in the coming weeks.

Oh!

Thanks for the advice, Gness.

[gness]

Did wonder about that, Tilly......and they've confirmed.....so sad....

Not noticed a problem here but think I'll play safe and put the feeders away for a while....there is plenty of food around still......x

[Tilly2]

Gness, I have six feeders and four bird baths. I'll also disinfect and put mine away when the weather improves. Tippling down here, again.

I have been killing them with kindness. :-(

[Tilly2]

Update on my little pigeon.

I took it to the vet and it was, indeed, very poorly. The vet has put it to sleep. He also offered to do a post-mortem on the pigeon and send it to the RSPB. He said he would not charge for that, it was part of his public service.
I think that's brilliant. Well done to him.

[Tilly2]

No one else interested in my little pidge, then?

[tonyav]

Makes you wonder about poisoning though, Yilly.

[Tilly2]

I'll have to wait until the vet sends his report, Yont.

I do hope not.

[Mamyalynne]

I think you've done your bit Tilly and well done to the Vet too, sad story.

[tonyav]

As Mamya say's you've done your bit, Yilly.

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Mamya and Yont. I do feel sad tonight. I am a softy!

[shoota]

Yup.

[shoota]

But a nicey....

[DaisyNonna]

Was just about to start restocking my bird feeders as the weather is getting cold and wet here

[EDDIE51]

Pigeons? Ken Livingstone was right when he called them'rats with wings'

[Tilly2]

Oh, ta, Shoots.

[Tilly2]

Don't do it, Daisy! Leave it until the really cold weather.

All my feeders are coming down tomorrow.

[ladybirder]

That is bad news Tilly. Especially the poor Greenfinches who have suffered so much for the past few years. What county are you Tilly, anywhere near East Sussex? Do you know if it's confined to certain areas at the moment?

[Tilly2]

I'm in Bedfordshire, Ladyb. I don't know what the spread is

. I just know that the RSPB confirmed that there was an outbreak in this area. They have a link to a webpage where you can report any diseased birds in your area. I have reported the outbreak in this area and I know that the vet will also report the cause of death of my little pidge, today.