Diseases of pigeons. 



WHEN pigeons are in their proper state of 

 health they are without doubt the liveliest 

 and happiest family of the feathered tribe. 

 They are always active, full of spirit and a source 

 of much pleasure to the fancier. When ill they are 

 the very opposite, huddle up their feathers, are usual- 

 ly "off their feed" and have a very miserable ap- 

 pearance. 



One must have some practical experience with 

 the birds when in health, and should have close ob- 

 servation also so as to readily tell when disease has 

 taken hold of his stock. 



As soon as disease sets in, no matter in what 

 organ, or what part of the body, the eye is about 

 the first to show it. The eye of a pigeon in health 

 is bright and clear, having the appearance of intelli- 

 gence, but it soon becomes somewhat inflamed and 

 watery in the feverish conditions, and glassy and 

 sunken in wasting diseases. When a bird is taken 

 ill, it is not an easy task to the inexperienced to be 

 able to detect the disease or to make a proper diag- 

 nosis. After carefully examining the eye, direct 

 your attention to the other parts, taking particular 

 notice of the mouth, looking far down the throat 

 which enables one to detect any false growth as 

 Canker, Ulcerations, inflamation of the mucous mem- 

 branes or abnormal changes of the secretions. This 

 close examination of the mouth is by far the most 

 important part in making a diagnosis of diseases 



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