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UPDATE 7TH NOVEMBER 2006
Doesn't rain but it pours, having witnessed 2 Wood Pigeons at the weekend displaying the characteristic symptoms of what everyone is describing as "The Finch Disease" I know we have Trichomoniasis as it is normally found in Pigeons and Doves - it looks like our nightmare isn't over
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Salmonella we were told we had, we now catch up with the rest of the Midlands, and I thought with the recent frosts we would have beaten it.
It is caused by a parasite that is transferred from bird to bird by saliva, and birds with the disease show signs of lethargy and fluffed-up plumage. They may also drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or show laboured breathing - it is horrible to see and you feel so helpless.
Only good thing is it doesn't pose a threat to us, the dog or the neighbours cats.
What can we do ? Well, having looked at the BBC website these are the guidelines we should follow :
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DO keep feeding the birds even if you have sick ones
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DON'T put out more than the birds can eat in a day
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DO sweep the table and area daily
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DO give fresh water daily
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DO disinfect your feeders and bird table once a week with a watered down household disinfectant and allow to air dry.
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DO move feeding areas around to prevent mess in one place.
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