If earlier pigeon breeders treated their pets with improvised means or medicines for chickens, now they can use special preparations for pigeons, which can protect them from various infections, parasites and even the effects of stress. What medicines should be at hand of the poultry breeder, we will find out further.
Classification of drugs
There are a large number of veterinary drugs for birds, which can be conditionally divided into several groups depending on the spectrum of their action and purposes of use:
- Anthelminths. These are drugs against worms, many of which are broad-spectrum. They effectively destroy adult and larval forms of nematodes and cestodes, as well as sexually mature trematodes. Similar remedies also have a devastating effect on helminth eggs. They are used to deworm pigeons. They are given to birds by mouth along with food or water in the morning and do not require a preliminary diet.
- Trichomoniasis Medicines. They are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. They are added to drinking water once a day during the morning feeding of birds for 7 days before hatching and after the start of feeding the chicks. If the disease affects young birds, it is better to remove the "yellow plug" with a cotton pad dipped in a solution of the drug. In addition, it must be additionally mixed in drinking water in a double dose.
- Newcastle Disease Medicines (whirligig, pseudo-plague). It is almost impossible to cure such a pathology, therefore vaccines are necessarily used for its prevention, moreover, 2 times a year:
- in the fall, after molting and before the arrival of cold weather;
- in the winter-spring period, before the start of oviposition (for the central strip it is September-October and February-March).
Vaccines can be instilled into the nose (administered intranasally) or taken with drinking water. In the second case, the drinkers will need to be thoroughly washed. The first method is more preferable, since it guarantees dosed administration of the drug to each individual.
Immunity in pigeons forms 14 days after vaccination and lasts for at least 3 months.
- Medicines for coccidiosis. Many drugs act against all types of coccidia and immediately affect eimeria, regardless of the stage of their intracellular development. They can be given to birds together with feed additives, vitamins, etc.
- Antiviral and antibacterial drugs. Their variety is quite extensive, but they are all used for the prevention and treatment of diseases in pigeons, which have a bacterial, viral and fungal etiology. In addition, they increase the resistance of the birds. Many drugs are available in the form of a solution and have this effect:
- antiviral (inhibit the intracellular reproduction of viruses);
- bacteriostatic and bactericidal (affect gram-positive and gram-negative microflora);
- increase the resistance of pigeons, as they stimulate cellular and humoral immunity.
Some preparations contain an iodine-containing composition, therefore they create a concentration of iodine vapors in the poultry house for disinfection and treatment of pulmonary diseases in pigeons. They have a wide range of actions against pathogens of infectious pathologies of various etiologies - bacterial, viral or fungal.
- Probiotics. Many products of this group contain lyophilized dried cultures of streptococci, bifidobacteria and filler in different ratios. They are intended for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal diseases with a symptom of diarrhea. Their properties are as follows:
- have a synergistic antagonistic effect against opportunistic microorganisms, including Escherichia coli and Salmonella;
- stimulate enzymatic processes in the intestine and contribute to the restoration of its normal microflora after taking antibiotics;
- normalize acid balance;
- increase the body's natural resistance;
- prevent various stressful effects.
- Vitamins and minerals. Such supplements are especially useful during moulting and egg-laying, during stressful situations and a lack of vital elements in the winter-spring season. In addition, they support the body of the bird during the period of illness and taking antibiotics.
Any drug should be given to pigeons only after consulting with a veterinarian and carefully studying the instructions for its use.
Antibiotics for pigeons
A number of complex diseases in birds are treated only by taking antibiotics, which are the following drugs:
- Tetracycline. A broad-spectrum antibiotic that destroys many microbes - mycoplasmas, coccidia, salmonella, pasteurella. It is given to pigeons with food at the rate of 20 mg per 1 kg of live weight twice a day for 5-7 days. It is available in the form of powder and tablets, which are crushed to a powder state before administration. Since the antibiotic strongly affects the body of the bird, it should be given to birds in combination with vitamins A, C, D.
- Oxytetracycline. A broad-spectrum drug that comes in the form of a yellow crystalline powder and tablets. Effectively destroys coccidiosis, salmonellosis, respiratory mycoplasmosis, pasteurellosis. An antibiotic is often prescribed for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. One bottle contains 100 thousand IE (100 mg). If injected intramuscularly, the optimal dose is 10 thousand IU, and if taken with food - at the rate of 6-10 mg per 1 kg of live weight.
- Biomycin. It is used against non-contagious gastrointestinal diseases, which can be complicated by opportunistic microflora. The drug is available in the form of a crystalline powder, which has a yellow color and a bitter taste. Recommended for taking salmonellosis, colibacteriosis, streptococcosis. As a rule, it is given with food twice a day for 3-7 days at the rate of 40 mg per 1 kg of live weight. The effect of the drug is enhanced when taken together with streptomycin and penicillin.
- Streptomycin. It is a complex organic compound that is formed during the cultivation of actinomycetes. The drug is a wide spectrum of action, therefore, is prescribed for such pathologies as:
- contagious rhinitis;
- pasteurellosis;
- vibrio infection;
- pneumonia;
- trachea;
- air bags.
Introduced intramuscularly every 12 hours at the rate of 50 thousand IU per 1 kg of weight. In the same volume, it can be given to the bird inside in the form of home-made capsules. Treatment is carried out for several days until complete recovery.
- Kanamycin. As a rule, it is prescribed in the case of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, kidney infection, postoperative complications. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration. The dosage of the drug is 125, 250 and 500 mg. A single dose for adult birds is 5-10 mg. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.
- Erythromycin. An antibiotic produced by the fungus, which contains mineral salts and various organic acids. It is produced in the form of a crystalline white powder that does not have a specific odor and bitter taste. It actively affects the microflora of the respiratory tract, therefore, it is more often prescribed for respiratory diseases, contagious rhinitis, psittacosis, inflammation of the trachea or lungs, but can also be taken for gastrointestinal pathologies. Powder is given to the bird inside with food at the rate of 20 mg per 1 kg of live weight.
- Tylosin. It is a waste product of several strains of fungi. It is produced in two forms - for oral administration with drinking water and for intramuscular administration. The active substances of the drug accumulate in the respiratory organs, therefore it is especially effective against diseases such as:
- contagious rhinitis;
- ornithosis;
- mycoplasmosis;
- pneumonia, trachea;
- air sacs.
The drug is dissolved in water at the rate of 0.5 g per 1 liter and is given to pigeons for 5-8 days. If it is administered intramuscularly, it is injected at a dose of 20-30 mg per 1 kg of live weight. The course of treatment, if necessary, is repeated after 5-7 days.
- Bacitracin. Light brown powder of the category of feed substances, for 1 g of which comes 10, 20 or 30 mg of the active substance (bacitracin). It also contains zinc, by-products, vitamins and enzymes. Bacitracin is often given to pigeons during a period of intensive training, as it increases the body's resistance to various diseases. It is added to the feed mixture at the rate of 1%. The grain must first be moistened with a small amount of vegetable oil or fish oil.
- Nystatin. The drug has a pronounced effect against fungal diseases, therefore it is often prescribed for aspergillosis and candidiasis. It is given with food at the rate of 25-50 mg per 1 kg of live weight. The course of treatment lasts 6-10 days. The antibiotic can also be used for cutaneous lesions that can be caused by aspergillosis. The ointment is prepared on a petroleum jelly base and is used to treat the affected areas under the wings.
- Tiamulin. Refers to antibacterial drugs of the pleuromutilin group. It is quickly absorbed into the digestive system, penetrating into almost all organs and tissues. The effect lasts for 18-24 hours. It is prescribed for mycoplasmas, brachispira, streptococci, listeria, leptospira. It is produced in the form of a yellowish powder that does not dissolve in water, so it is better to give pigeons along with food.
- Rhodotium 45%. A product with a specific odor, available in the form of a solution or white granules, which may have a slight yellowness. Rodotium is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with mycoplasma infections. It is used internally as the main drug, and the dose depends on the weight of the bird. Young pigeons can be given 0.06-0.11 mg of the drug per 1 kg of live weight. It is bred in 2 liters of water, and is given both individually and in bulk by adding to a common drinker.
- Triflon (Biopharm). A solution for oral administration, which is a broad-spectrum systemic antibiotic. It contains two active ingredients - enrofloxacin and trimethoprim. The drug has an antimicrobial effect against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, and also has a detrimental effect on mycoplasmas and chlamydia. The solution dissolves perfectly in hard water, acts in 1-1.5 hours after ingestion and for 24 hours. Its dose is 0.5-1 ml per 1 liter of drinking water. The course of treatment lasts from 3 to 5 days.
- Enrofloxacin. Refers to quickly absorbed drugs. It quickly eases the condition of pigeons and has no side effects, therefore it is completely safe. It helps with mycoplasma, brahispira and other ailments that were triggered by a pathogenic organism. The solution is diluted in drinking water and given to the pigeons by mouth. Its dose is 50 ml per 100 liters of water. The treatment lasts 5-6 days.
antibiotic "Tetracycline"
antibiotic “Oxytetracycline”
antibiotic "Biomycin"
antibiotic “Streptomycin”
antibiotic “Kanamycin"
antibiotic "Erythromycin"
the drug "Tylosin"
drug "Bacitracin"
drug "Nystatin"
antibacterial drug "Tiamulin"
the drug "Rodotium 45%"
solution for oral administration “Triflon”
drug "Enrofloxacin"
Popular drugs
There are a number of medicines, the presence of which is desirable in the pigeon breeder's medicine cabinet. They will help to significantly alleviate the condition of the bird in case of certain diseases.
Enroflon
With ailments, birds can be given Enroflon's solution, which quickly penetrates the organs and destroys pathogenic microbes. The drug is intended for oral administration, is available in the form of a transparent liquid (may have a light yellow tint). The concentration of the active substance can be 5% and 10%.
Enroflon is an antimicrobial drug that has a strong bactericidal effect, which slows down the growth of most bacteria and microorganisms. The solution is especially effective against pathologies such as:
- colibacillosis;
- salmonellosis;
- mycoplasmosis;
- bronchopneumonia;
- enteritis;
- atrophic rhinitis.
Before giving the drug to pigeons, it must be bred in drinking water. When calculating the optimal dose, you need to take into account the concentration of the solution:
- 5% - 5-10 ml per 1 liter of water;
- 10% - 5-10 ml per 500 ml of water.
The course of treatment lasts from 3 to 5 days.
Albuvir
An antiviral drug that comes in the form of a white liquid, but can also have a light yellow tint and sediment. Specific indications for taking it are as follows:
- Newcastle disease;
- infectious bronchitis;
- Gumboro disease;
- Marek's disease;
- anemia, etc.
If the drug is taken for prophylaxis, then the optimal dose is 0.03-0.06 mg per 1 kg of live weight. If Albuvir is prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases, then the dosage should be raised to 0.05 mg. The solution is administered orally. Reception lasts about 5 days.
La sota
The drug is used to prevent Newcastle disease in pigeons of any breed. After vaccination, their immunity also increases. La Sota is available in glass ampoules and vials from 0.5 to 4 cubic meters. see. Its color can be from pale pink to pale brown, but in any case, it is easily soluble in water.
La Sota is used as a vaccine and is administered in one of two ways:
- Intranasal. It involves instilling the vaccine into the nasal opening of the bird. For this, the tablets must be dissolved in water at the rate of one dose per 0.1 ml of boiling water or saline. Each bird needs to drip with a pharmacy pipette 2 drops (0.1 ml) of the mixture into one nostril, closing the other with a finger, so that the vaccine gets deeper into the nasal cavity.
- Enteral. The method is used with a large number of livestock or in the absence of the ability to fix the bird. It involves the dilution of the drug in drinking water. Vaccination is carried out early in the morning when pigeons are hungry and thirsty. The vaccine must be diluted in boiled water at the rate of 10 nasal doses (1 ml) per individual. To stabilize the mixture, you can add skim milk in the amount of 5% of the total. Birds should drink the solution within 4 hours, after which the drug will lose its effectiveness. Its remains must be boiled for 30 minutes. After vaccination, you can feed the birds after 1.5-2 hours, and the drinkers will need to be thoroughly washed.
Regardless of the method of administration of La Sota, immunity in birds will be formed 6-8 days after treatment and will last for 3 months. At the end of this period, revaccination is required. It is extremely important not to give antibiotics, nitrofuran and sulfa drugs to pigeons for 4-5 days before the vaccine and for 5 weeks after immunization.
Experienced poultry farmers recommend starting vaccination of young animals from the 15th day, and it is advisable to use the method of instillation into the nasal opening.
Argues
Refers to therapeutic and prophylactic probiotics with a large number of live bacteria. It is produced in the form of a homogeneous beige suspension, although it may have a yellow-brown tint. With prolonged storage, sediment formation is possible.
Sporovit is used for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases in birds. The drug is especially effective for infections and pathologies of the digestive and respiratory system, and also helps to prevent dysbiosis.
The suspension is given orally to the birds before meals. Shake it first, and then give it along with food and water at the rate of 1 ml per 10 kg of live weight.If used for medicinal purposes, it is taken 2 times a day for 10 days.
Intestevit
Refers to complex probiotics, which is available in the form of a white powder or a light brown shade. Contained in hermetically sealed bags or jars in a volume of 400 doses. It has the following effect:
- stimulates processes in the intestines and gastrointestinal tract;
- acid balance is controlled;
- helps restore intestinal microflora.
Before taking the powder is mixed with feed or drinking water. The course of treatment depends on the age of the bird. When taken prophylactically, the treatment regimen is as follows:
Bird age | Powder dose | Duration of admission |
Chickens up to 10 days | 0.5 doses | daily or every other day up to 10 days |
Birds over 10 days old | 1 dose | daily or every other day for 10-15 days |
In case of treatment, prophylactic doses should be doubled and given to the bird every day until it is completely cured.
If it is necessary to carry out routine vaccinations, then the intake of Intestevit should be interrupted 2-3 days before and continued afterwards for 8-10 days. The drug can be given individually, pouring into each individual or pouring it into a feeder.
Baytril
It is a transparent solution of light color, which is well absorbed, quickly penetrates into the body and has a broad antibacterial effect, thereby slowing down the growth of bacteria. The main active ingredient is enrofloxacin.
The solution is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of the following diseases:
- salmonellosis;
- streptococcosis;
- enteritis;
- mycoplasmas;
- hemophilia;
- colibacillosis;
- mixed infections;
- viral diseases, etc.
The solution is taken orally at the rate of 10 mg per 1 kg of live weight. The course of admission is 3 days. Baytril is mixed with drinking water, which is given throughout the treatment.
Fosprenil
It belongs to antiviral agents with an immunomodulating property, due to which it activates the metabolic processes in the feathered organism and stimulates hematopoietic activity. Its reception promotes the active production of interferon, which enters into a fight with foreign elements - viruses. Available as a clear or yellowish injection.
Fosprenil is prescribed for the medical treatment of viral diseases, which include:
- whirligig;
- Newcastle disease;
- orthomyxovirus;
- herpes, etc.
In addition, the drug is recommended for use in stressful times for pigeons. These are the periods of molting, laying of eggs, outbreaks of diseases, etc.
There are two ways to take Fosprenil:
- The solution is either added to the drinker at the rate of 2-3 ml per 1 liter of water, or the pigeon is buried in the nasal opening. The course of treatment is 5-10 days, but if the disease progresses, you will have to resort to at least and inject the vaccine into the abdominal or pectoral muscles with an insulin syringe.
- The drug is used for injection. Single daily dosage - 0.1 ml. The minimum course of treatment lasts 5 days. It is recommended to inject the drug into the bumps, if any, on the joints of the paws and on the wings.
In stressful periods, Pigecetam (Nootropil) can be given to pigeons at the same time as Fosprenil.
Poisoning medication
If pigeons show signs of poisoning, such drugs will help them:
- Glucose. Available in the form of white crystals, powder and solution. It improves the functioning of the heart and stimulates the neutralizing function of the liver. In case of poisoning, glucose can be given with vitamins B and C, since they enhance its effect. The solution is prepared from this ratio - 100 mg of vitamin B, 500 mg of vitamin C and 50 g of glucose per 1 liter of water. The mixture is evaporated or introduced through a probe.
- Calcium gluconate. It is a white crystalline powder that contains 9% calcium and is highly soluble in water. The solution is administered orally (5 ml), but in case of severe poisoning with fertilizers - intramuscularly (1 ml). In the second case, a 10% solution is used.
- Lactic acid. Yellowish liquid with sour taste, but odorless. It dissolves well in water and is used when sending pigeons with nitrogen fertilizers. It is given with water for 1 tsp. twice a day until recovery.
drug "Glucose"
Calcium Gluconate
drug "Lactic acid"
List of essential vitamins
To strengthen the immunity of pigeons during transport, vaccination, regrouping or hatching of chicks, as well as in the autumn-spring period, they should be given vitamins. They can be of various packaging, in liquid or powder form, on an oil and water basis. The following drugs are popular:
- Aquitin. It is rapidly absorbed and accumulates in the liver, where it creates reserves of vitamin A, the concentration of which in 100 ml of liquid reaches 2 million IU. It is often given to pigeons before the start of the breeding season, during periods of active growth of young stock and change of plumage, as it has a strengthening effect and normalizes metabolism. The drug is dissolved in drinking water at the rate of 1 ml per 20 ml of water and is given to birds for a week.
- Dafasol. The drug is in the form of capsules, each of which contains 500 thousand IU of vitamin A and 250 thousand IU of vitamin D Dafasol is given to pigeons inside along with antibiotics for gastrointestinal diseases. One capsule is designed for 100 individuals. After a single dose, the need for vitamin A is provided for 2-3 weeks.
- Calciferol (Vitamin D). Refers to anti-rheumatic drugs, especially useful for young animals and before the breeding season. It is desirable to give it in small doses - 7-10 mcg per individual. The course of admission lasts 5-10 days. When treating sick pigeons, intramuscular injections are possible.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol). The drug is necessary for the growth of young animals and the reproduction of birds, has a strong effect on the incubation qualities of eggs. It should be given to the birds inside at the rate of 40-150 mcg per individual. If there is a severe form of deficiency, the vitamin in the form of oil is injected intramuscularly.
- Vikasol (vitamin K). The drug is especially useful for severe gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea and coccidiosis. It is given orally at the rate of 0.1 mg per 100 g of feed. The course of admission is 7-8 days. The drug accumulates in the liver, and then passes into the eggs, therefore, its intake is desirable 30 days before the breeding season.
- Thiamine (vitamin B1). It is available in the form of powder, tablets or 3-6% solution. It is well absorbed in the intestines and promotes metabolic processes. The dose per adult is 1-2 mg. Dry yeast is especially rich in vitamin, so they can be given inside at the rate of 0.1-0.2 g per individual.
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2). The powder helps to normalize carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Its crystals are poorly soluble in water and are resistant to heat, therefore it is better to give it with feed at the rate of 0.3-0.4 mg per 100 g of food. The course of admission is 15 days.
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6). The drug is needed for the normal growth and development of pigeons. It is given at the rate of 0.3-0.5 mg per 100 g of feed.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Increases the immunity of pigeons during transportation, long flights, overwork. Available in the form of powder, tablets, ampoules. The prophylactic dose is 5-10 mg.
Before a long flight, sports pigeons should be given a solution of vitamin C and glucose, the dosage of which per 1 liter of water is 1 g and 100 g, respectively.
- Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). It is a white crystal that is poorly soluble in water. The daily requirement for this vitamin is 20-40 mg per 1 kg of feed. Artificial vitamin is available in the form of powder, tablets, dragees, solution. The therapeutic dose is 8-15 mg per day.
- Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). It is a chemically pure vitamin in the form of a dark red crystalline powder. The daily requirement for it is 30 mcg per individual.
- Folic acid (vitamin B9). Fine crystalline yellow-orange powder, which is poorly soluble in liquids. The daily norm of the vitamin is 8-15 mcg per 100 g of feed. A synthetic drug is given at the rate of 10 μg per individual.
- Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B3). It is an oily liquid of light yellow color. The daily norm of vitamin is 9-15 mcg per 100 g of feed. Its deficiency is observed in winter and spring. For medicinal purposes, a synthetic preparation is used in the form of a calcium salt. To compensate for the daily requirement, 0.5 g of yeast should be added to the feed.
- Choline. Participates in amino acid metabolism, regulates the growth and change of plumage. Available in powder form and in ampoules. When treating pigeons, 80-100 mg of the drug should be added daily to the feed. The dose for prevention is 30 mg per day. The course of admission is 10-15 days.
- Biotin. Colorless crystals that dissolve easily in water. With a lack of vitamin, young growth slows down. To cover the daily requirement for it, you need to add 10 mg per 1 kg of feed.
- Fish fat. It is a thick oily liquid with a specific odor. 1 g of fat contains 350 IU of vitamin A and 30 IU of vitamin D. The drug is recommended for use in young animals underdevelopment, prolonged molting and diseases that reduce overall resistance. In addition, fat is useful at the beginning of the breeding season. For prevention, pigeons are given 1-2 drops per day for 10 days. In case of severe disorders, the drug is administered intramuscularly. Single dose - 0.1 ml.
Oral vitamins are safer to use for pigeons, since they do not have to be disturbed and fixed for injection.
Complex preparations for hypovitaminosis
Hypovitaminosis is considered the most common disease that occurs in immature young animals. They lead to changes in the functioning of organs and worsen the appearance of birds. They arise due to malfunctions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, unbalanced nutrition or keeping birds in unsuitable conditions.
Most often, hypervitaminosis is diagnosed due to a lack of vitamin A, D or E. In this case, it is most effective to carry out treatment using complex drugs, which include:
- Aminovital. Contains all the vitamins, amino acids and minerals necessary for pigeons (zinc, iron, potassium, etc.). It is produced in the form of a white liquid, which is poured into plastic cans with a volume of 1 or 5 liters. The drug is added to drinkers at the rate of 2 ml per 10 liters of water. The course of admission is from 5 to 10 days.
- Chiktonik. It is a prebiotic, which, thanks to the content of useful amino acids and vitamins, strengthens and restores the body, normalizes the microflora of the stomach. The premix is added to drinking bowls at the rate of 1-2 ml per 1 liter of water. The course of admission is 5 days.
- Felucene. Vitamin supplement, which contains not only vitamins, but also gravel, which, after entering the stomach, contributes to grinding food. The additive is mixed with grain feed at the rate of 10% of the mass of the main feed.
- Trivitamin. Available as a solution in bottles of 10 and 100 ml. With hypovitaminosis, pigeons are given 1-2 drops for 15-20 days.
the drug "Aminovital"
Chiktonik preparation
drug “Felucen”
drug “Trivitamin”
When breeding pigeons, each poultry breeder must collect a first-aid kit with all the medicines necessary for birds. Before using them, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian who will help to make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe the optimal treatment regimen and calculate the frequency of administration of drugs, taking into account the conditions of keeping the pigeons and the nature of the disease.