Pigeon Diseases; With a Chapter on Feeding

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter ii. Hygenic Requirements. As it has been pointed out that pigeons enjoying full liberty seldom are sick, it naturally follows that most of the diseases of birds under confined conditions must be due to their surroundings, therefore, we will first endeavor to explain some of the Hygenic rules the breaking of any one of which will undoubtedly result in pigeon troubles. In fact it is almost safe to say, if all hygenic rules were constantly observed there would be few pigeon troubles. The word Hygene is derived from the Greek work Hygeia which was the name of the goddess of health, hence hygene means the rules governing health. Cleanliness the First Rule. It is almost self-evident to ail that no animal can thrive in its own filth. In visiting pigeon plants we have often found places that were obnoxious to human nostrils, but in which pigeons seemed to thrive. This might be for a short while, but should dampness enter such an obnoxious place, it is safe to predict that there would be many pigeons die. While dry pigeon manure does not give much odor and may not cause much trouble, yet your chances for success are far better if there is a thorough cleaning up and all filth removed so that the pigeon loft is unoffensive to the most fastidious person. Exhalations Breed Disease. It must be remembered that the exhalation of a pigeon is much more voluminous in proportion to the size of the bird, than in the human and in all such exhalation there is some solid matter which settles upon the walls of the buildings. In fact on the wall of most houses there is to be found a fine whittish dust which comes off upon being rubbed with the hand. In time this forms a mould and breeds a bacteria which upon being inhaled again by the pigeons or swallowed...