Internal Parasites 141 



crop (Fig. 21), wlien a slight pressure on the bulb forces out 

 the medicine, and the instrument is withdrawn. The 

 operator should be sure that he avoids the trachea. 



Gage and Opperman have found Epsom salts and tur- 

 pentine a very effective remedy for Nodular Taeniasis. After 

 careful consideration of the data they conclude that " 40 to 50 

 grains of Epsom salts is sufficient for an adult fowl in order 

 to clean out the intestinal tract so that the birds may take 

 food. Then the turpentine should be introduced " as directed 

 above. For younger birds the dose of salts should be pro- 

 portionately less. In fowls from 6 months to 2 years old the 

 salts are best given by dissolving in water and giving each 

 fowl this liquid. For younger chicks the salts may be dis- 

 solved in warm water and used to moisten the mash or feed. 



Prevention. — One of the most important measures against 

 all parasitic infestations of the digestive tract is to move the 

 fowls upon fresh ground every two or three years. This 

 should be done in all cases where such parasites are fre- 

 quently observed in the intestines of the birds. Another 

 practical measure, which may be adopted at the same time, 

 is to remove the excrement daily from the houses and destroy 

 any parasites or their eggs which may be in it, by mixing it 

 with quick lime or saturating it with a 10 per cent solution 

 of sulphuric acid. The acid is cheap, but requires that 

 great care be taken in diluting it, owing to danger of its 

 splashing upon the clothing and flesh and causing severe 

 burns. It should always be poured slowly into the water 

 used for dilution, but on no account should water be poured 

 into the acid as it will cause explosions and splashing. 



When treating diseased birds these should always be 

 isolated and confined, and their droppings should either be 

 burned or treated with lime or sulphuric acid as just recom- 

 mended. Without these hygienic measures, medical treat- 

 ment can only be partially successful. 



