westleyargentum / destringers-field-guide Goto Github PK

Creating a text that could bring someone with little to no knowledge of pigeon physiology up to a point where they could safely and accurately assess the health of a sick or injured pigeon they encounter seems like it will be very difficult. But if it could be done it would be quite useful and might make a difference in some pigeons lives.

Things it could cover:

• Emaciation and stabilization
• Recognizing PMV and diseases
• Broken wings and legs
• Fancy pigeons that might need help

In a few places people have pointed out that oil and feathers do not mix (oil can prevent them from locking properly and becoming watertight) and so it seems like a bad idea to let a pigeon go free with ointment on their feet. Maybe it wouldn't be an issue, but what if they scratch their head, get a little patch of feathers they can't clean well covered in oil, and then have a compromised puff layer? Seems not worth the risk.

But there doesn't seem to be any concrete advice about what kind of antibiotic cream to use. One avian vet suggests "plain boring tripple antibiotic without any pain relievers" (https://youtu.be/--834Ezyx8I?t=548). Others don't make any distinction and even recommend neosporin by name (which I don't think you can get without pain relievers).

What impact would the pain reliever additives have? Would they help relieve pain in a pigeon or would they by harmful instead? Maybe the dosage would be too strong because it is designed for humans?