How to Prevent Pigeon Mouth Yellow?
Shuiguo huang () is a common disease in pigeons, characterized by the growth of a yellow-white biofilm in the pigeon's pharynx. This disease is further divided into mi huang (), chang huang (), and shiduo qitaguan huang ().
Pigeons with this disease exhibit symptoms such as inactivity, head-low posture, regurgitation during feeding, a feeling of difficulty swallowing, and a reluctance to feed. When the mouth is opened, a cheesy yellow-white biofilm can be seen around the pharynx, and there are often dried remnants of secretions on the beak. If it's shiduo qitaguan huang (), a foul odor can be detected.
Shuiguo huang () is caused by the consumption of unclean water, particularly more prevalent during rainy seasons. Young pigeons are especially susceptible.
The treatment involves using medical cotton swabs to clean the pigeon's pharynx of the white biofilm, feeding medication 1-2 times a day.
If the disease is limited to oral lesions, 2-3 days of medication treatment can cure it. If the condition doesn't improve after 3 days, it indicates that there are yellow blocks within the pigeon's body, and the biofilm in the mouth is merely an external manifestation. Treatment of the biofilm in the mouth alone may not yield ideal results.
If the biofilm is only grain-sized, and there are no ulcerated traces after cleaning, it will not regenerate yellow even without medication. If the yellow is attached to the walls of the mouth, medication is required for complete recovery. If the yellow is attached to the esophagus and trachea, it is difficult to treat, as the pigeon's condition is too severe to recover, and this type of yellow is often associated with yellow growths within the abdomen, making it a difficult-to-treat case.
Prevention involves regularly cleaning the pigeon coop, changing the water for pigeons daily, and using covered utensils to prevent pigeon droppings from contaminating the water. Spoiled feed should be discarded immediately. During rainy days, do not allow pigeons to drink from rainwater on rooftop awnings, especially rainwater collected on balconies. Pigeons wash and defecate in the water, and pigeons become infected with shuiguo huang () after drinking.
Regularly observe each pigeon for signs of illness, and promptly check for shuiguo huang () if you notice fluffy feathers or dried viscous residue on the beak. Early detection and treatment are crucial for reducing mortality.
