CHAPTER XVI 



DISEASES AND ENEMIES 



ONLY an exhaustive treatise by an expert can 

 properly discuss the many diseases of domestic 

 fowls. Many of the troubles are insidious and 

 are not yet well understood. However, a few 

 general hints on the more common diseases, and 

 a discussion of some of the parasites, may be 

 valuable to those who have not the time or in- 

 clination to study the subject in detail. The one 

 paramount safeguard against disease is thorough 

 cleanliness; then avoid introducing infected fowls. 



LICE 



Various kinds of domesticated fowls and wild 

 birds are infested with parasites that are known 

 under the popular name of "lice." There are 

 several species of lice which infest chickens. 

 Some kinds are found only on a certain class 

 of poultry, while others are sometimes found on 

 more than one kind. There are at least four 

 species which are very troublesome to chicken 

 raisers, particularly to those who do not keep 



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