Avian Vets

However good your management systems are, pigeons, like all small livestock, are susceptible to diseases. Many health problems are quite easily treatable whilst others, particularly those of viral origin, often require the services of qualified veterinary personnel. Before any treatment is given it is very important that a correct diagnosis is made. All too often, when a bird looks 'off- colour', the 'amateur vet' will jump for the antibiotics and this is often the totally the wrong approach; the result being at best, valuable time is lost, at worst the bird has gone beyond saving. If young birds are not treated properly within the first few hours of looking sick, they are usually too far gone to treat.

Our more enlightened European fancier friends sensibly use the services of veterinary clinics almost as a preventative rather than remedial measure.

Here, in the UK, there are some excellent vets specialising in avian medicine.

It is no good waiting until your bird is beyond help before trying to locate a vet who can help you. Make sure that you know, in advance, to whom you can turn. Unfortunately the stumbling block for many UK fanciers usually seems to revolve around the costs involved.

Retford Poultry is a laboratory testing service which is excellent both in quality of service and expert advice. If you have any problems with any of your birds contact "Libby" at Retford, on 01777 703011, look at the web site or e mail her.