EXTERNAL PARASITES 81 



fourteen days, when the six-legged adult flea emerges from the 

 cocoon. 



Chicken Flea Infestation 



Sfjniptoins. — In an outl)reak of flea infestation stndied l)y 

 the anthoi' during the sunnner of 1911, tlie presence of the 

 fleas in the flock was first noted because of the insects attack- 

 ing persons who entered the hen house. Investigation reveahed 

 the presence of fleas in large num])ers. 



It is noteworthy in this outbreak that all the lice and chig- 

 gers disappeared from the flock, although the chickens in this 

 flock had been troubled by these parasites, more or less, during 

 the three years preceding. Although fleas irritate the skin 

 and suck blood, no noticeable effect on these birds Avas noted 

 by the OAvner, Perhaps, because it being summer, the birds 

 AA'ere largely out doors and under favorable conditions as to 



Fig. 33. Sarcopsylla Gallinacea. 

 1, male; 2, female; 3, young. 



health. Symptoms similar to those produced by lice have been 

 recorded in other cases. 



Treatment: Eradication. — Dipping the hens in any of the 

 folloAA^ing solutions, five per cent creolin, five per cent kreso 

 dip, or five per cent zenoleum, is effective in ridding the birds 

 of fleas and preventing their reinfestation for a short time. 

 A dusting powder, used as directed under the discussion of 

 lice, may also be employed Avitli success. Do not neglect to 

 stop reinfestation ])y treating the premises the same as di- 

 rected for lice. (See page 72.) 



Sarcopsylla Gallinacea — Stick Tight Flea (Jigger) 



This is another variety of hen flea. It has been studied in 

 North Carolina. The accompanying photomicrograph, Fig. 33, shows 

 a female, a male and a young one. It will be noted by comparing 

 it with the Pulex avium that it is much shorter and different in 



