One of my females, 12 yrs of age is not holding her wing over her tail feathers. Consequently she continually soils the wing. Any suggestions?

Does she have any other strange symptoms like heavy breathing, or discharge from the eyes? Is she lathargic (lack of energy). She could have the equivalent of a cold or birus. Respiratory infection is not uncommon in doves.

No ruffeled feathers, breathing is fine, eating well. No change in behavior. I have her on Ornacyn, but it has not helped. When I pick her up, she lifts the wing. Does not appear to be an injury.

Unfortunatley, even without the symptoms I mentioned, it seems that your dove is sick or has somehow damaged the muscle in it's wing. Rather than experiment with medication, although Ornacyn is good, I'd take the dove to an avian vet soon.

The drooping wing is commonly called AFLATOXCOSIS and many times is caused by contaminated feed. It usually occurs in younger birds but adults are also susceptible. In the short term, you may want to replace the seed you are using and see if there is any improvement. I wouldn't wait too long however before seeing a vet if the symptom doesn't improve.

Most vets do not understand birds or bird behavior so it's best to find an avian vet for the best treatment.

I agree with Dave. Bird illness is VERY tricky because their natural instinct is to try to hide it. A sick or injured bird is easy prey in the wild. So if she is showing symptoms, guaranteed shes feeling worse then she is showing.

Have you examined her "output"? The best way to tell illness early in birds is a change in the type or consistency of their feces. You should learn what "normal" looks like for all your birds and watch that it stays that way. (This is harder if they are all housed together. If that's the case then try to learn favored "nesting spots" if your birds have them for each individual bird.)

Right now, id get the bird to a good avian specialist. If you haven't had to find one before look for vets who advertise either bird care or "exotics". Best way to find a good vet is through a bird specialty pet store or breeder that you trust.

Oh, and Im afraid you should be ready for significant vet bills. Exotic vet care tends to run significantly more expensive then dogs and cats. There is often more lab work, and its a specialty. When people ask us how much our Macaw cost we tell them that's not the issue, the issue is the care. If you can afford the care, then you can afford the acquisition cost.

Avian vet care for doves is fairly inexpensive. Most exams are in the $10-$15 range. Of course you'll have to pay for any meds that are prescribed or any shots given.

Wow. Lucky you.

My hookbills are pricey. If I get away for under $100 on a visit I feel very fortunate. Under $200 is still a good day.

Doves must be easier Or its a difference in the area we live in.

Doves are pretty simple. Not a lot to diagnose or examine. Heart, lungs, kidney, liver. Seed in, feces out.

Found a breeder. She suspects Coccidiosis. I figure with 400 birds, she might know something. Picking up Sulmet this afternoon. I am sure this is what killed one of my birds this winter. It supposedly will work in 2 days. Will keep you guys posted.

Hmm. So, you are taking medical advice from your breeder? Is she a trained vet?

This would make me nervous, Id rather have a real vet's opinion. I recommended finding a breeder to *recommend a vet*...

Have you quarantined this bird yet?

I have to agree with Cyberqat on this. First, Coccidiosis is primarily a disease found in dogs, normally not birds. I'd do some research or spend the money and get a vet's opinion before treating my birds for anything I wasn't sure of. The wrong medication can do as much damage as the illness.