THE PIGEON BOOK 59 



As I have stated, none of the Belgian books I have read 

 refer to it. Why should English birds be prone to it and 

 not Belgian? 



I have kept pigeons over thirty years. During this 

 period I have had but three individual cases of feather rot. 



They arose in different strains and different birds. 



Still, I have had a number of cases sent me by young 

 fanciers for advice and examination. 



After most careful consideration I am inclined to think 

 that the disease, as we know it, commonly called feather 

 rot in this country, must be classified under three different 

 headings : i, disease of the blood; 2, skin disease, para- 

 sitic; 3, atmospheric. 



The symptoms of feather rot are that the feathers 

 become rotten and fall out. First the chest is attacked 

 with bare patches, then follows a looseness in the shoulders 

 and wing-coverts. 



In both cases one and two the symptoms are generally 

 as described, but in the case of three the flights and tail 

 apparently become brittle and rotten, the webbing break- 

 ing off in flakes and particles, and having the appearance 

 as though eaten by some feather-devouring mite. 



The disease generally makes itself known in the breed- 

 ing season. 



Birds suffering from feather rot will moult at the same 

 period as others, but the bloom and sheen that is to be 

 found on a healthy bird does not last ; the feathers become 

 dull and dry, and as sure as the breeding season again 

 comes round after the first nest is reared the disease 

 again makes its appearance, more marked than before, 

 until in bad cases the whole body may be denuded of 

 feathers. 



Cause I (disease of the blood) is due to the kidneys not 

 doing their work properly. Earthiness of the system 



