EDITED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON 2-7-2010 (Eilid)
This thread currently includes information to help identify: Avian Botulism
Trichomoniasis
Hi everyone
At the end of my update regarding a collared dove that I found in my garden yesterday, I mentioned there was further information I wished to discuss with the RSPB before starting this thread.
I hope it may be of interest to others on this site who are, like me, keen to learn. As I'm not an expert I have checked my facts before writing, but I do encourage anyone seeking more detailed information on this subject, to visit the RSPB website or to contact a local animal hospital.
The dove in my garden was suffering from and subsequently died from severe starvation. In this case the most likely cause was that the dove had been inadvertently shut in a shed, garage or greenhouse, for some time and was therefore unable to find food.
Starvation can, though, be an indication of trichomoniasis, a condition caused by a parasite. This disease tends to become more widely spread over the summer months.
A great deal of very useful information is available on the RSPB site and this forum, regarding identification of fledglings and young birds and what to do if we feel concerned about them.
The RSPB site also contains guidance on what to do should we feel concerned about a sick or injured adult animal.
However because the focus for most of us at this time of year is so much on young birds, I feel there is a risk that sick birds could be overlooked, with potentially serious consequences for the local bird population, in the case of trichomoniasis,not to mention suffering for the bird.
In most cases non-intervention is usually the wisest approach, but there is also a case for wise intervention. In my experience adult birds that can be picked up (stunned birds being an exception) are generally already very sick and unlikely to survive, but on occasion, expert care can save the animals life.
Birds with trichomoniasis are best settled in a box away from other birds to limit the spread of the parasite, or in severe cases it may be more compassionate to ask a local vet to end the animals suffering.
By feeding the birds in my garden I am already intervening. It is my personal opinion that because of this I am also likely to attract sick animals looking for a safe place, near to food and water. This, I feel, brings with it a duty of care for those animals who may need help. My approach is to get expert advice so that I can act in the best interests of the animal.
Having re-read this I am concerned that it may come across as a lecture from a new member which is not my intention at all. My visit to the wildlife rescue centre simply reminded me that we can sometimes wait too long to help an animal, affecting it chances of survival.
Eilid
"out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing there is a field. I will meet you there" Rumi
I agree. As I've just said elsewhere, birds hide illness well, so when you see one looking ill, it is REALLY ill. Plus, as long as a bird can fly, getting hold if it is nearly impossible. Pigeons and doves are very resilient, and there are some excellent medications out there for trichomoniasis, so if you can get hold of the bird, it's worth getting it to a wildlife hospital in case it can be saved.
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Brilliant post Eilid
I too had trichomoniasis in my chaffinches, I emailed the RSPB, who gave me appropriate advice.
I thought I just had wee fat greedy chaffinches.
I don't honestly see how anyone would object to your post, it's very informative, there are a lot of people here, who do not have any level of expertise, who I am sure are glad of the information.
Well Done x
Hi Maisie and Borderlass
Thanks for your replies. I did agonize over it slightly so I appreciate your feedback and additional information
Eilid x
Hi Eilid,
Thank you for writing this post and reminding us all of our duty to help the sick birds we come across. Trichomoniasis is dreadful, and I can confirm this 100% from personal experience, having had a siskin and a greenfinch with the disease last summer. I do have a photo of the poorly greenfinch should anyone want to know what the external signs are. If you find an adult bird who appears very tame and who approaches you, he is asking for help and not asking you to be his friend.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Thanks Sparrow, good to know you can help with identification. Posting the photo on this thread would be great if ok with you.
I completely agree with your last sentence!
Hi Eilid, thanks for your thread, it is very informative and full of great advice.
I have to be very vigilant in watching out for sick birds. I get alot of collard doves (up to 40) and have in th past had sick ones affected by the virus. Given the ratios that I get I'm surprised I don't get more sick ones. You will find that others on here have too. I have always followed the advice given by the RSPB and have stopped feeding the birds for a time to hopefully halt the spread of disease. It's also helpful if you can report those that you find as this is very helpful to the RSPB. I'm sure I won't be the only one who tells you that seeing the poor mites suffering is very upsetting. They are not easy to catch to be honest even though they are sick they can still fly quite well.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Hi Eilid
Your post is full of good advice and sympathetic information inspired by the upsetting experience you have had this last few days.
I'm sure no-one treats your post with anything but respect and empathy.
Big hug
Pipit xx
This was identified as an adult male greenfinch. He appeared in my garden last summer. I had no idea at first that he was ill - it was before I joined this forum and before I knew very much about birds. He was on the ground at first, and so very tame. I almost trod on him. I sat down and he came up and sat on my foot, looking up at me with pleading in his eyes. He was fluffed up, much as they do when it's cold, and the feathers on his head and chest were wet through. You can see from the picture they are wet - and it wasn't because he had been drinking or bathing, and it wasn't raining. I feel so ashamed in retrospect that I did nothing to help him, but calmly took a photograph. He was able to fly, and after a few minutes he left. I will never forget that look he gave me - and will never forgive myself for not helping him out of sheer ignorance.
Shortly afterwards I contacted the RSPB and discovered he had trichomoniasis and how he must have been slowly starving to death.
Very interesting thread Eilid. I have a Blackbird who has lost all his feathers around his eyes and neck. Seems very active, feeding young, eating flying and drinking but I did wonder what is wrong.
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Hi Judi,
It could be mites methinks. Poor little thing. He wouldn't win any beauty competitions! Maybe his wife and children love him!!!