What Is It With Me And Pigeons?

[Tilly2]

Another thing to worry about!

During the last two weeks there have been four feral pigeons in my garden which have been unwell. They start off just sitting around looking lost, then they try to fly and can't. They end up dragging themselves about with their wings.
The workmen, last week, took two of them home as one of them kept pigeons. Alas, they both died. The third one just keeled over behind a shrub. That ended up in the bin and now there's another one. I have caught it and put it in a pet carrier and will take it to the local vet to be put down, later this afternoon.

Does anyone know if there is some kind of virus affecting feral pigeons, or may someone be poisoning them?

Any ideas?

[Chipchopper]

Hi Tilly;

If you continue to find dead birds, it might be worth taking a look at the DEFRA website. Helpline 08495 33 55 77.

Good Luck.

[Tilly2]

Apparently, it affects raptors Melv. It's called "Frounce"

[Tilly2]

LB. This is the link.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/14005/p/20464/165159.aspx

The GBHi questionnaire link is at the top of that page. A Word document.

Thanks for the Defra information, Chip.

[ladybirder]

Thank you Tilly but that is 5 years old. I was looking to find out where the latest outbreaks are. Sorry if I wasn't clear.

[Gavmacp]

I read about how dangerous bird feeders could be years ago. What I would do is have twice the bird feeders you need. Whilst using one I would be cleaning disinfecting the old used ones and swap daily. Though being Scottish I probably would try and reuse old feed defeating the purpose but hey ho.