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My pigeon laid an egg and has diarrhea for a week. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

My pigeon just laid an egg for the first time. It was unexpected because 2 years ago we had bloodwork done that determined she was a male. She has had diarrhea for about a week now. Is that normal when laying eggs?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 11th, 2018

You may see a larger than normal amount of stool a day before or after a bird lays an egg, but it should not be diarrhea nor should it last a week.
Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. If you supplement the diet with fruit or vegetables, discontinue temporarily and offer a commercial pelleted diet until the stool is normal. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or continued loose droppings. See or recheck with your veterinarian if necessary.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 22nd, 2020

    This consistency of the droppings may be due to her egg laying. The droppings are used in nest building as an adhesive. If she is behaving normally otherwise and has a healthy appetite, there is likely no cause for concern. You can submit a sample to your veterinarian to diagnose parasites to be safe.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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