pigeon feet (1 Viewer)

i have several wood pigeon visiting. one has growths, inflammation and deformation of scales on feet and possibly around nostrils. difficulty walking.
plumage therefore less smooth and preened but seems fat enough.
is this recognised, just age or a disease or parasite?

surprised no-one has commented. this bird is back again, can hardly walk i am also concerned it may be something that may spread via feeder, perches etc. i could disinfect some areas but not much else one can do. at least he is getting some feed.

Maybe avian papillomavirus?

thanks, looks like a very bad case of that from pics on web. a virus that may spread. well i wash the bowls he stands on and poured boiling water over the rim of birdbath but thats all i can do i suppose. it spreads between species it seems.

Assuming that it is a Wood Pigeon and not a Feral Pigeon (Although I help all birds, some treat Feral Pigeons like they're not Birds but Rats) - just catch it and take it to a Vet. The Vet will not refuse to see it, and will treat it if possible. And if it's a Wood Pigeon, the Vet is unlikely to immediately suggest killing it. (It's doubtful you'll get any accurate replies without at least posting a pic of the bird.)

BTW, regardless that others might tell you a Vet won't help and/or will charge, I've done what I'm suggesting many times with different bird species and different vets, they've always helped and never charged for a wild creature. Vets take an oath to help Animals that are sick/suffering... although phoning first isn't a good idea, as it depends on the nurse or receptionist that answers the phone; just show up at the surgery with the bird.

ChrisKten said:

- just catch it ...

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Don't know about Jape, but I for one certainly don't have the facilities to do that, unless the bird is so sick you can walk up to it and pick it up - in which case, the neighbour's cat will get it first.