To many fanciers showing their birds is a very rewarding aspect of the hobby. Shows are a gathering place and provide a tremendous learning opportunity. This is where we showcase our birds and our breeding programs. The reality is that when birds come together from across the country we are putting our own birds at risk. Disease can easily be spread from bird to bird and this can be devestating to any fancier. I have been showing pigeons for close to 30 years and this has always been the case. However I will continue to show pigeons because the shows are a vital part of the fancy and I have learned that there are things I can do to minimize the risk to my birds.

                The first thing you as an exhibitor must do is be responsible and not show birds that you know may carry a disease and put other fanciers birds at risk. Unfortunately it is often difficult to tell if a bird is harboring an illness in the early stages of a sickness and some birds that may appear perfectly healthy may be spreading sickness. This happens more when a fancier has attended several different shows in a short period of time and this is how a disease can get spread to new lofts very quickly.

                The first step to safeguarding your birds when attending shows starts months ahead of time in your own loft. Never bring new birds into your loft during the breeding season or during the moult. This is when your birds are most vulnerable and thier immune systems are weakest. Make sure your birds are strong and healthy leading up to the show.

                The most common and devestating sicknesses transmitted at shows and between lofts are Salmonella (Paratyphoid) which comes in many different stains and Paramyxovirus which is a form of Newcastle desease in pigeons. Fotunately there are vaccines for both of these illnesses. Vaccinate your birds at least 30 days prior to the show and make sure you follow directions closely to get proper immune results. Most vaccines require a booster shot within a month or 6 weeks when being vaccinated for the first time. These vaccines are quite effective but not always 100%. If you are going to show you must vaccinate or you are setting yourself up for a disaster.

                Traditionally I have supported shows with large numbers of entries showing most of the birds in my loft that where in condition. I now do not think that this is such a good idea. This put my entire breeding program at risk. I now will show smaller numbers of birds representing the colours I breed. The nucleus of my breeding stock stays at home. The birds I show are then isolated upon my return home in a seperate loft for at least a month were I keep them under observation and give them a preventative treatment of antibiotics such as Doxycycline followed by vitamins. Always follow directions closely. The same applies to new birds I bring into my loft.

                The most effective drug without question for the treatment of paratyphoid in pigeons is Baytril (enrofloxacin) in water soluable form. This is a restricted drug in Canada and is difficult to get however no other drug I have ever used has been as effective and experienced fanciers will tell you the same. However your best preventative measure is to vaccinate. There is no medication to treat Paramyxovirus because it is a virus. That is why you must vaccinate against this.

                Do not overcrowd your birds. This stresses them out more and sickness will spread and take hold much more rapidly. Keep your loft clean and dry and treat the drinking water with chlorine regularily to stop transmission of sickness through the water. Do not use chlorine in the water when you are giving medications or vitamins.

                Following the treatment of your birds with any medication or when helping birds recover from sickness always give vitamins in the water. I now use a liquid vitamin product used in horses called “Red C “. I give about a tablespoon to a gallon of water two or three times a week year round.

                I have shown my birds since I started and I have dealt with Paratyphoid, Paramyxovirus,Various respiratory deseases,Canker and more and I have beat them all. They have all been setbacks, some worse than others. Experienced fellow fanciers have always given me the best advice and support and these people are the first I turn to for help.  Whenever you are dealing with live animals,sickness and death are part of it,so we have to deal with it or quit.

                I will never stop showing my birds. The shows have given so much. I have found that 90% of the time I attend shows I have no problems with health in my birds afterwards. The rest of the time I have now learned to take the precautions to safeguard the rest of my stock and I have managed the situation and survived with little or no problems. When we do have problems it is almost always because we have let our guard down and exposed our birds unnessesarily and without proper preperation and post show management.