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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
Hi,
I have two doves (about 2 years old). The male is doing fine, but for the last several days the female has been sitting on the bottom of the cage floor with her wings puffed out. She doesn't seem to be able to keep her balance and she can't fly very well. She doesn't seem to be eating or drinking very much either. I am very worried and would like some advice if anyone has had a similar problem and what I can do about it as quickly as possible. None of the vets in my area specialize in birds. |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Chad, doves are very susceptible to viruses and up respiratory diseases. The first thing to do if you haven't aleady is to separate her to a different cage. Place the cage where it is warm and away from all drafts. I've sometimes covered the cage with a large towel or blanket. Be sure the new cage is clean and provide plenty of clean water. There are several different items you can get at most pet stores to provide a good range of vitamins. Nutrimin is excellent but at the very least, wheat germ oil.
Have you asked a local vet about an aviary vet? They should know of one that handles birds. I'm not too familiar with the Georgia area. Bob Sanders might be able to help you with that. I'm sure he'll check in here soon.
Where the magic begins
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
Thanks Dave,
I'll do that, I have an extra cage and I'll go by this afternoon to see about the vitamins. Hopefully that will do. I haven't seen her eat in several days, but she must be at some point or she wouldn't be alive. I'll also call around to some vets and see if they can reference somebody. Thanks, Chad PS. In case anyone asks, it’s definitely not mites or anything like that as I've checked and they don't have any. |
tjkmagicman New user 33 Posts |
I use 10 doves in my dove manipulation act, so I spend a great deal of time with my birds. It is also possible that the female is just getting ready to lay an egg. When mine lay eggs, they exhibit the same behavior that you listed above as well. But it is also always wise to check other avenues just to be safe and give them vitamins, wheat germ oil, etc. Taking care of your animals is definitely top priority. I hope this helps some.
take care, Tim |
Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Tim, you may be right but that condition shouldn't last for days as Chad says. The wings should relax.
Chad, if you can handle her gently, run you finger down her chest from the neck to her feet. If you feel a lump in her chest, then she is probably getting ready to lay an egg as Tim says. Try putting some straw, hay or nesting material down and see if she tries to make a nest.
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
I don't think she is getting ready to lay an egg. She lays them occassionally and pretty much lays them in random places. If that were the case, it seems like she must be having a problem getting it to come out because she has never done this in the past, and as Dave mentioned, this has been going on for a week. She is now separated and is getting vitamins. I'll keep you updated.
Thanks, Chad |
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