DISEASES OF CHICKENS TREATMENT 345 



Limber Neck. 



Limber neck is a symptom of diseased conditions rather than a distinct 

 poultry disease. 



The condition is due to the absorption of poison which acts upon the 

 nervous system and causes paralysis. It is generally associated with indiges- 

 tion or worms. It is very similar to ptomaine poisoning. 



Symptoms. The muscles of the fowl's neck become so relaxed they can- 

 not support the head, and the fowl stands or squats with the head resting on 

 the ground. 



Treatment. For adult fowls give from one to two teaspoonfuls of oil of 

 turpentine mixed with the same amount of sweet oil. For small chicks give 

 a mixture of from two to ten drops of each. In one-half hour mix one tea- 

 spoonful ginger with one-half cup hot, sweet milk slightly sweetened. To 

 adult fowls give one to two tablespoonfuls every hour or two and to chicks 

 one-half to one teaspoonful. 



Fifty to 60 grains of Epsom salts or three or four teaspoonfuls of castor 

 oil to a grown fowl. 



Mix equal parts of lard, ginger, mustard and cayenne pepper. Form into 

 flat pills the size of a dime and give one of these every three hours if neces- 

 sary. 



Mites. 



These parasites breed in the cracks or joints of, poultry houses, or any- 

 where that filth is allowed to accumulate. They suck the blood and are dan- 

 gerous to the health of fowls of all ages. 



Treatment. A good preparation which will destroy the mites, and also 

 lice, is made by shaving one-half pound laundry soap into one-half gallon 

 rainwater. Boil until the soap is dissolved, remove from the fire and stir into 

 it, while still hot, 2 gallons of kerosene oil. This also makes a good disin- 

 fectant. When it is to be used for killing mites or lice in the houses, use one 

 part of this mixture to 10 parts of water. When used as disinfectant add 

 one quart of the mixture to 10 quarts of water and stir well; then add one 

 pint of crude carbolic acid or cresol and stir again. When well mixed apply 

 to all crevices and cracks, and spread over walls, floors, roosts and nest boxes. 



The free use of kerosene is highly recommended in fighting mites. Applv 

 to roosts, nests and all cracks and crevices. The walls may be sprayed with 

 kerosene. 



Poultry houses should be whitewashed frequently to kill disease germs 

 as well as insects which lodge in cracks and walls. The following formula 

 for whitewash will adhere to walls and last for a long time, either inside or 

 outside: Half a bushel of unslaked lime slaked in warm water. Keep 

 covered so the steam will not escape. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve. 

 Add a peck of salt previously dissolved in water, three pounds of rice which 

 has been ground and boiled to a thin paste. One-half pound of Spanish whit- 

 ing and a pound of glue which has been melted over a slow heat, and 5 gal- 

 lons of hot water. Stir well and let stand covered 5 days. Heat before ap- 



