DISEASES OF POULTRY 239 



RED MITE 



Cause: These grow spontaneously in favorable sur- 

 roundings, as the interior of poultry houses and brooders 

 containing numerous cracks and crevices. 



Symptoms: This mite is a blood-sucker; irritates the 

 skin and sometimes causes sores to form on the body of 

 the chick. The birds grow stupid and weak and die rap- 

 idly if not properly treated. Older fowls withstand the 

 irritation of mites much longer, but do not thrive, or lay 

 regularly, and will finally die if the insects become too 

 numerous. The insect may be transmitted to horses, 

 cattle, and even to man. 



Treatment : Paint the roosts and spray the interior 

 of the coops and runs with Crude Carbolic Acid, undi- 

 luted, being very careful that the solution reaches the 

 bottoms of the cracks and crevices. Also paint the in- 

 terior of brooders with the same solution. 



RHEUMATISM 

 (Leg Weakness — Gout — Paralysis) 



Cause : Damp coops and pens, lack of ventilation and 

 Improper food. 



Symptoms: Fowl refuses to stand or walk, and on 

 examination, the legs are found to be swollen and pain- 

 ful, especially about the joints. In some cases suppura- 

 tion of the joints takes place and they become open run- 

 ning sores. The bone finally becomes diseased and the 

 fowl dies. 



Treatment : Preventive measures are first to be con- 

 sidered. See that the coops and pens are clean and dry. 

 Avoid drafts. Feed vegetables, also wheat bran mashes. 

 Oive internally Salicylic Acid, one-half grain, twice daily. 

 When the legs are swollen and sore apply Camphorated 

 Ointment once or twice daily. 



