PIGEONS FOR PROFIT AND PLEASURE 121 



one trouble they are afflicted with, and if a little bicarbonate of soda 

 is put in the water the pigeon will cleanse the crop and contents 

 itself very quickly. 



Canker. This is similar to canker in fowls. A bit of bluestone as 

 big as a pea in a quart of drinking water will dispose of that in a 

 few days. 



Roup or Cold In the Head. For simple cold in the head, sneezing, 

 etc., a dose of Epsom salts will generally be found effective. When 

 there is roup with sneezing, the birds must be examined, and if neces- 

 sary the heads dipped in peroxide of hydrogen. Give one or more 

 dozen pellets of spongia dissolved in the drinking water. Watch 

 for results, and if necessary dip the heads again. 



Worms. Small pieces of garlic may be put down the throat at 

 times, or a dozen pellets of santonine dissolved in the drinking water. 

 As pigeons do not eat meat or drink milk, I cannot conceive of them 

 being very much troubled with worms. 



Diarrhoea. This is caused by musty food. First, change the food, 

 thus removing the cause, then give ipecac or a little lime water made 

 as directed in another part of this book. 



Indigestion. Give nux vomica and change the bill of fare slightly, 

 adding some hemp seed. If sour water runs out of crop give a little 

 bicarbonate of soda in water. 



For Lice. Dust with any good insect powder, and grease the head 

 with olive oil and creolin. 



Sore Eyes. Cause is usually filth and overcrowding. Bathe the 

 eye in witch hazel and peroxide. Just a few treatments will cure. 



