378 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



Gapes. 



This is sure to prove a very troublesome and destructive ailment with 

 young turkeys. 



The cause is identical with that which is discussed under the head of 

 Gapes in chickens. Some believe turkeys or chicks are infected with gapes by 

 eating angleworms found in the ground, which is infected with gapeworm eggs, 

 as these eggs may readily infect angle worms. 



Treatment. The same treatment discussed under Gapes in chickens is 

 recommended. 



Preventive Treatment. Prevention is the main and most successful 

 treatment. Cleanliness in poultry yards and houses. Some have recommended 

 sprinkling the ground with water, into which has been mixed sulphuric acid; 

 after 24 hours cover the ground with lime and turn under with a plow. Or a 

 better way even is to remove the poultry to an entirely new ground. 



Impaction of Crop. 



Eating indigestible substances, such as dry grass, feathers, etc. The ab- 

 sence of grit and oyster shells tend toward bringing this disease. 



Symptoms. The crop is bulging and hard. 



Treatment. The crop can usually be emptied by careful manipulation. 

 First give a teaspoonful of sweet oil and then work the contents of the crop 

 with the fingers up through the gullet and out through the mouth; holding: the 

 bird with its head down. 



Leg Weakness. (See "Chicken Department"). 



Lice and Mites. 



Symptoms. Much the same as in other fowls, only that turkeys are much 

 more susceptible to unfavorable conditions than other birds. They must be care- 

 fully protected from the effects of parasites, dampness and excessive heat, until 

 they are able to wander away with the hen turkey. They thrive much better 

 when not confined. 



Treatment. Turkeys are in more danger from the effects of parasites 

 directly after they are hatched, so the best plan is to treat the hen turkey 

 before they are hatched. The feathers should be thoroughly dusted with 

 insect powder down to the skin, using great care not to get it into the eyes. 

 This should be repeated several times a week, until a day or so before hatching. 

 There is nothing better than the Persian insect powder, but any good insect 

 powder which does not contain ingredients harmful to the eyes will answer. 

 Never use lime or sulphur for this purpose, and kerosene should never be used 

 to destroy lice on the body of the turkey. As soon as the turkeys are hatched 

 examine them for lice. If present they will probably be found under the 

 throat, on top of the head, about the vent or under the wing. 



Sweet Oil and Lard: If lice are found, the use of a little sweet oil or 

 fresh lard will destroy them. Rub a very little on top of the head and under 

 the throat. The insect powder can be used for the rest of the body. 



