P.O. Box 1897, Kailua, HI 96734
Other health issues
Unusual poop
If poop is smelly, poorly formed, greenish rather than brown:
1. Put on Baytril 14 days 2x per day in case of bacterial infection.
2. Give plenty of fluids and good nutrition, hand rearing formula at first.
3. Keep clean.
If poop is quite watery, or diarrhea-like, and/or has unusual smell (hard to describe):
1. Treat for coccidiosis with Alban once a day for 5 days, skip 2 days, then once a day for 5 more days.
2. Give plenty of water.
3. Wash hands carefully, as this is contagious if transmitted via body fluids to other birds (not to humans). Do not pass between birds!
Poop accumulation around vent
If poop has accumulated around vent, or feathers at vent are stained or stuck together:
1. Worm the bird with Strongid and Droncit.
2. Put bird on Baytril as this could be sign of infection, especially is poop is quite smelly and not formed properly.
3. Rinse the vent area under warm water once the bird is stabilized and relaxed. Check frequently for cleanliness.
Prolapse
When a pink part of the bird's intestinal system has come out through the vent, often due to trauma or worms:
1. Rinse with a sterile solution and gently push back into the vent using a Q-tip, making sure all debris is cleaned off first.
2. Worm the bird with Strongid and Droncit.
3. Start on Baytril immediately for 10 days if no more problems.
4. Keep bedding clean and change frequently.
5. If it prolapses again, repeat the cleaning and pushing back in process. If it continues to happen, it will need a couple of stitches to hold the vent partially closed while still allowing poop to pass through.
Internal parasites (worms)
Although worms can be found in all species, they seem to be especially common in ground feeders like doves and pigeons. Tapeworms and roundworms are the most common types:
1. Tapeworms are long, flat, whitish and faintly segmented. They will quickly absorb the bird’s nutrients, especially in babies and adolescents, and can be cause of death if bird gets too thin. They can be anywhere in the intestinal system, causing crop slowdown.
2. Roundworms are round, pointy at the ends, and slightly pinkish in color. They are most common in mint doves.
Worms sometimes hang out of the bird’s vent or small segments can be seen in the poop. Other indications include a thin body and/or poopy feathers around the vent area. However, birds can harbor worms with no visible signs. It is recommended to worm every dove and pigeon with Droncit for tapeworms and Strongid for roundworms. Keep an eye on bulbuls and mynahs too, especially adolescents who are not putting on weight in spite of good appetite.