There seems to be controversy and inconsistency when it comes to this subject. My opinion is, by far, not the last word, but I have been asked to express my thoughts on the subject.

Proper hygiene is best accomplished when the compartments or crates are not overcrowded. Overcrowding is unhealthy in other ways too, but this will not be covered here. We will stick to hygiene related matters only.

The first and most important consideration is control of the droppings. Elevated wire flooring has become the preferred way to handle this. The droppings fall through and the birds are spared from walking in them and getting sticky feet and tail feathers, to say nothing of the lessening of disease potential.

Litter is still used quite commonly, and of the litters hay is probably used the most. When litter is used, it should be changed before each race. Also, beware of using moldy hay.

Any moldiness is exaggerated as the birds trample around on it creating a fog of airborne mold spores. These spores, in sufficient concentration can produce disease in the birds; sometimes delayed as fungal pneumonia, or nearly immediate, as occlusion of the airways with the physical presence of the spores.

These spores can and do mechanically block small airways. Take care to not produce any other dust or particulate matter with the litter usage because the birds are forced to breathe a concentrated dose of whatever it may be.

Even if wire grating is used, the compartments should be cleaned after each race. Just physically removing the droppings residue is very important. Disinfecting afterwards is also recommended. Use a dilute bleach solution or some other safe disinfectant such as Nolvasan, etc. Be sure it is totally dry before putting more birds in them.

When watering the birds before release or during transit on 2 day (or more) shippings, care should be taken to ensure that it is not contaminated by anything.

If the water is going to stand and has a chance to become contaminated by droppings then it may be a good idea to have a disinfectant such as household bleach or Nolvasan in the water.

Usually the water is given for short times and in clean containers. Here it is not important to have disinfectant or any other substance in the water. Plain water is adequate and for sure the birds don't need any other chemicals to metabolize while flying home.

Mainly use common sense and take the effort to protect the birds from an environment that we force upon them. It is hard enough to keep them healthy in our individual lofts.

Lets not let that effort go to waste by shipping the birds in anything but the best available conditions.

Dr. David E. Marx D.V.M.