hi i got my self a microscope to try and work out why my pigeons are getting sick can anyone identify the parasites in these pics

Better to get vets advice.

Regards.

looks like coccidiosis to me davy and quite a lot of it, theres probably canker present to I would treat for both at the same time
with belgica de weerdts product called B.S  it cures hexamita to ...or use gambozkid by rohnfried for 6 days consecutive ...whatever you do don't use harkers coxoid its crap ...I would get on it immediately atb

What is the condition of the birds? At this time?

I have used microscopes for years on pig fecal samples. They do show what the animal has. BUT! If it is not affecting the animal leave as is. Worry will depress you. Gets expensive with drugs. Often not needed.

the birds seem fine when they get ill they sit fluffed up in theyre pen .
ive had 4 die in the last 2 months 2 of which showed no symptoms they just starting panting and died
thanks for your replies guys

is your loft damp by any chance it can be a cause...that's a lot of cocci present there and can also see canker

how long have you been keeping pigeons? Is there someone knowlegeable who's kept pigeons a long time near you who could call look at your problem?

If you have pigeons dying, then you have to get a "certain" diagnosis.

Guess work does more harm than good.

If you want to learn more about any health problems you can easily get them by just putting the disease involved on your computer and all the relevant information is available, that is what it is there for

Sorry you have lost some of your pigeons but not getting the real reason will probably result in losing more.

Regards.

MISTY wrote:

If you have pigeons dying, then you have to get a "certain" diagnosis.

Guess work does more harm than good.

If you want to learn more about any health problems you can easily get them by just putting the disease involved on your computer and all the relevant information is available, that is what it is there for

Sorry you have lost some of your pigeons but not getting the real reason will probably result in losing more.

Regards.

THIS, I wouldn't bugger around if I had birds die on me, hope you get it sorted

being straight to the point now its coccidiosis and needs treating asap else you will lose more birds ,I have not seen this much cocci on a slide before typical of cocci from what you say to birds hunched up then dead if you handle them I bet they feel underweight ...I wont go into state of the droppings as they vary with severity but the proof is there in the picture provided ,but treat for canker to as it will be there with that amount of cocci present...whether theres an underlying problem for the cocci is anyones guess that's why I asked if your loft is damp or do you use a deep litter maybe its contaminated now and needs changing...cocci will thrive in damp conditions, I am surprised you have not encountered such a problem before keeping pigeons for 50 years but hey we are all still learning ,good luck davy hope you get it sorted as stated a vet would be best but you have severe cocci to answer your question.

Don't treat nowadays your asking for trouble.  I was old hat and only treat when needed. Different game now,  canker every bloody 2 weeks now . Its pathetic

Thanks very much guys I will get right on it

When I started with our feathered friends approaching 80years ago, the three main problems around were cocci, canker and one eyed cold.

The former treated with sulphur menthodine, {spelling ???) the next with match stick ends, {the Red part) and the latter an Old Hand remedy.


The main problem with canker, there are carriers, show no sign but pass it on to other year on year, and some of those become carries only.

Have no idea why, but I have never had any problem with any of them, today the health in many ways has been ruined, mainly by studs, who started to treat before a problem began to prevent rather than cure,

So in fact they have ruined the normal manner in which you can detect problems and many are now carriers and treatment, flock, becomes necessary unless you have a long established healthy loft.

I went through the same with breeding canaries for over 40 years, never had any problems once the first ones were sorted out by culling any unsound ones.

The experts said I had just been lucky, not bad , nearly 80 years of luck with the pigeons and 40 years with the canaries.


The money mad have ruined everything they have touched with no regard for anything.


Regards.

very true misty birds today lack the constitution of years ago but you can bring it back into your own lofts by weeding individuals out and keeping the stock that breed robust offspring any repeat offenders of ill health have to go for the flocks sake ...I don't treat at all once racing has ceased and I mean nothing ...when it comes to breeding season they get wormed and cankered nothing more no parastop or broad spectrum antibiotics the breeders are nowhere near the race birds and never get mixed ,not a lot gets into the stock section but we did introduce 2 new cocks this yr after quarantine but these old soldiers seem fine atb

Used exactly the same method originally, no matter which pigeon or pigeons were involved if they showed any signs of being infected themselves or carriers they had to go, and not either sold on or even given away.

Too much emphasis is placed on how much fanciers pay for their pigeons, if proven useless instead of culling they sell on, which progressively has given rise to the present situation.


Regards.