Vl'-Z AMERICAN SQUAB CULTURE 



doctoring pigeons is not a successful undertaking and the best 

 we can do witli any degree of success is to, first, keep pigeons 

 well by giving them proper food and water and other supplies 

 and, second, if they do get sick, take a chance on some simple 

 remedy that cannot harm them even though it might not do 

 them much good. 

 The following are a few symptoms and simple remedies: 



ROUP AND COLDS 



During rain and cold weather and certain seasons of the year, 

 and especially in the sections of the country where there is 

 more or less dampness, there is danger of pigeons contracting 

 colds and roup. 



The best remedy for any disease is a preventative and this is 

 especially true with colds and roup. The same thing that will 

 cause birds to catch cold will cause them to catch more cold 

 if the cause is not removed. All the medicine in the world will 

 not cure a bird in the presence of drafts, damp lofts or other 

 unfavorable conditions. As with people, plenty of fresh air is 

 necessary, but the admittance of air and the nest box arrange- 

 ment must be so that birds will not be exposed to drafts and 

 can keep warm and dry. 



One of the first things to do for pigeons with a bad cold is to 

 give them a slight physic. A tablespoonful of Epsom salt to a 

 gallon of water given the birds the first thing in the morning 

 is about the best way to give physic. All other water must be 

 kept from them, otherwise they Will not drink the water con- 

 taining the salts. Next see that there are no drafts in the loft, 

 especially near the floor. If the floor is cold you will find the 

 air circulation is wrong or that the wind blows under the house. 

 Cold floors are very bad for pigeons. For this reason I do not 

 favor building the house up off the ground. A thorough clean- 

 ing out of a nest room, using plenty of dry lime and dry nesting 

 material, a change in the air regulation, plenty of fresh water 

 for the birds to drink, and a change in their feed will break up 

 colds or roup nine times out of ten. For severe cases give the 

 bird a pinch of dry sulphur twice a day and place them in a 

 warm, airy place, away from the other birds. There are other 

 remedies that no doubt have lots of merit, but doctoring pigeons 



