CHAPTER III. 



DISEASES OF THE TURKEY. CAUSES, PREVENTION 

 AND CURE. 



I. PARASITES AND DISEASES. II. INSECT PARASITES. III. GAPES. IV. BLACK- 

 HEAD. V. TAPEWORM. -VI. DIARRHEA. VII. CHOLERA. 



I. Parasites and Diseases. 



No kind of young poultry is so susceptible to- the effects of unfavorable 

 conditions as young turkeys. They must be carefully protected from at- 

 tacks of parasites and from excessive heat and dampness until they have 

 gained sufficient strength and size to wander away with the parent turkeys 

 and care for themselves upon the range. 



II. Insect Parasites. 



The chief danger from lice and mite attacks to the poults is directly 

 after the poults are hatched ; but the best remedy is to deal with the hen 

 before the young are hatched. The plumage of the hen should be dusted 

 with insect powder close down to the skin from head to hock joint, being 

 careful not to get it into the eyes. This should be done at least twice a 

 week until within two or three days before hatching. The most careful 

 attention should be given to this. Never use lime or sulphur for this pur- 

 pose. Nothing is better than Persian insect powder, but any good insect 

 powder will answer the purpose if it does not contain ingredients that are 

 injurious to the eyes. 



It may often occur, however, that the hen will not have been properly 

 treated, and so lice and mites will be found on the young; and, in order 

 that the poults may live and thrive, they must be freed of these enemies. 

 As soon as the young are ready to leave the nest they must be examined 

 carefully for lice, which may be on top of the head, under the throat, or 

 about the wings or vent. Some of them are gray in color and difficult to 

 see. They may be destroyed by the use of sweet oil, rubbing a very small 

 amount upon the head and throat; insect powder is sufficient for the other 

 parts of the body. It is very important that only a small amount of the 

 sweet oil be used, as too much is injurious. Kerosene should never be used 

 to destroy parasites. 



III. Gapes. 



After extenial paiasitee, the most destructive ailment of young turkeys 

 id the ffqn}&. 



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