Canker in Pigeons

Let’s Talk About Canker in Pigeons (Trichomoniasis)

We’ve been seeing a lot of pigeons coming in with canker, also known as trichomoniasis. It’s a very common but very serious parasitic infection that creates yellowish growths in the throat and crop.

Now, this next part is really important. Sometimes people believe the best way to help is to pull these growths out. Please, please don’t .

Here’s why:

What you see on the surface is usually only part of it — underneath, the infection can be twice the size, deeply attached to the delicate mucus membranes.

Pulling it out can rip away the tissue itself, leaving the bird bleeding heavily. In many cases, they can choke or drown in their own blood.

That’s why we never pull it. Instead, treatment takes patience, a specific cocktail of veterinary medications, and careful daily care. Over time, as the parasite dies, the growths loosen naturally and can be gently removed without damage. We often use medical sponge sticks to carefully release the dead tissue. It’s messy. It smells. And it can take days. But it’s the safe way — and it works.

The photo here shows a successful removal after several days of treatment. And even then, that wasn’t all of it — just the first bit coming away. It’s a slow process, but with experience, the prescribed medications and a lot of care, recovery is possible.

So please — if you ever find a pigeon with canker, don’t try to treat it yourself. Reach out to a rescue, or to people who have the knowledge and the right medications. It really can be the difference between life and death.

Every pigeon deserves that chance.