Why is this Woodpigeon so wet? (1 Viewer)

[Pam_m]

Please don't laugh, I am serious! o

The soggy Woodpigeon in the photo was in my garden this morning, I have seen this or possibly a different Woodie over the winter looking so wet and others have looked dry all but rain droplets on them. This has puzzled me before as to why some Woodies feathers are so wet and others are not. I have looked on the internet for information and have read that "Some species have a preen gland located at the base of the tail and anoint themselves with a resin that keeps them waterproof or, in the case of waterfowl and seabirds, buoyant.". Do Woodpigeons have this gland?

 

[Henry B]

It,s probably just had a bath somewhere, I get them in the water dish doing just that.

 

[Pam_m]

It,s probably just had a bath somewhere, I get them in the water dish doing just that.

My thoughts initially, Henry, but why are all the other feathers dry? I suppose this is one that will keep puzzling me!:brains:

 

[Lewis 1980]

Im going with drunk...
Yep... a night on the booze followed by a Kebab...
I see all these pigeons hanging about street corners ;-)

 

[Lewis 1980]

Hang on.. I just realised you are in the West Midlands, The Woody must be a Birmingham City fan celebrating promotion to the Premiership...

 

[Pam_m]

Hang on.. I just realised you are in the West Midlands, The Woody must be a Birmingham City fan celebrating promotion to the Premiership...

Just as well that I am an Aston Villa fan then! A bit more class!8-P

Thanks for your helpful contribution to my serious question, Lewis!

 

[Lewis 1980]

Thats OK Pam ;-)

Shame about missing out on Champions League but thats another thread (if not website) all together.

(am a Rugby man)

 

[pie]

Hiya Pam, The sytoms of Trichomoniasis include wet feathers.
Poor thing looks poorly, hope the info helps.

 

[Clive Watson]

Trich is normally associated with Greenfinches and other small birds but I guess a Woodpigeon could get it too. It may just have been sticking its head in something greasy which it now can't get off its feathers.

 

[Sy V]

Excuse me, there's only one team (my team) celebrating promotion to the Premiership, so far this season. Birmingham City could well implode next weekend.
The future's bright, the future's Old Gold and Black!

However, I can offer no reasonable theory as to the apparently wet pigeon.

 

[Clive A]

Hiya Pam, The sytoms of Trichomoniasis include wet feathers.
Poor thing looks poorly, hope the info helps.

I thought of Tricho also, I believe the disease was first known in Pigeons and Doves,though it does look excessively wet.

 

[Sy V]

Have we got the spelling of 'Trichomoniasis' correct?

 

[Sy V]

OK found it now and the prognosis is not good:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/schoolyard/all_about_birds/feeding_birds/bird_diseases.html#Trichomoniasis

If you have a water tray and/or bird bath (and if it is indeed Trichomoniasis), Pam, you need to do some serious (but careful) decontamination, by the sounds of it.

 

[Sy V]

This is an excerpt from an excellent article on the subject:

"...Clinical signs:
In addition to showing signs of general illness, for example lethargy and fluffed-up plumage,
affected birds may drool saliva, regurgitate food, have difficulty in swallowing or show laboured
breathing. Finches are frequently seen to have matted wet plumage around the face and
beak. In some cases, swelling of the neck may be visible from a distance. The disease may
progress over several days or even weeks, consequently affected birds are often emaciated.
Disease spread:
Trichomonas is vulnerable to desiccation and cannot survive for long periods outside the host.
Transmission of infection between birds is most likely to be by birds feeding one another with
regurgitated food during the breeding season; through food or drinking water contaminated
with recently regurgitated saliva, or possibly, from droppings of an infected bird.
Risk to human and domestic animal health:
Trichomonas gallinae is a parasite of birds and does not pose a health threat to humans or
mammals such as dogs and cats. The parasite has the potential to affect captive poultry and
pet birds.
However, garden birds in the UK may carry other diseases that can affect humans and pets,
for example Salmonella, Campylobacter and E.coli bacteria. The GBHi recommends following
sensible hygiene precautions as a routine measure when feeding garden birds and handling
bird feeders and tables. Following these rules will help avoid the risk of any infection
transmitting to people and help safeguard the birds in your garden against disease (See
Below).
• Clean and disinfect feeders/ feeding sites regularly. Suitable disinfectants that can be
used include a weak solution of domestic bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) and other
2
specially-designed commercial products (See Further information). Always rinse
thoroughly and air-dry feeders before re-use.
• Brushes and cleaning equipment for bird feeders, tables and baths should not be used
for other purposes and should not be brought into the house, but be kept and used
outside and away from food preparation areas.
• Wear rubber gloves when cleaning feeders and thoroughly wash hands and forearms
afterwards with soap and water, especially before eating or drinking. Avoid handling
sick or dead birds directly..."

The original article can be found here:

www.shropshirebirds.com/PDF%20Folder/Trichomonas%20advice%20sheet_Aug06.pdf

 

[Pam_m]

Thank you very much Sue, Clive W, Clive A and Simon, for your helpful replies! :t:
You may be right Sue in your thoughts of it possibly being Trichomoniasis and thanks for all the information you have kindly found, Simon! Of course I will keep all the bird baths scrupulously clean and wear rubber gloves as I always do when handling feeders and cleaning!

I have not seen the Woodpigeon as yet today, I will update if it returns.