DISEASES AND PREDATORY ANIMALS 



rather in the increased population of the countryside with 

 the result that it becomes more difficult to keep the turkeys 

 from ranging over the neighbors' farms. But while the 

 diseases to which turkeys are subject will not prevent their 

 being raised successfully, it is true that the losses from 

 disease have been serious particularly in certain sections. 

 Diseases are most common where turkeys have been 

 raised in considerable numbers for the longest period. 



Getieral Disease Preventive Measures. In raising tur- 

 keys as in raising any other kind of domestic poultry 

 the most important consideration insofar as disease is 

 concerned is to use every reasonable precaution to pre- 

 vent its occurrence. In order to do this it is necessary 

 that the turkey grower be a close observer and that he 

 watch his birds carefully in order to discover the least 

 sign of sickness. Often if diseases are discovered just 

 as they begin they are easily cured and in any case pre- 

 vention of their spread is a much simpler matter. When- 

 ever new stock is purchased it is well to isolate it for a 

 few days before letting it run with the home flock. This 

 will give an opportunity to observe the birds and see 

 whether or not they are in a good healthy condition. The 

 turkey flock should be kept separate insofar as possible 

 from the chickens. It is easy for turkeys to pick up 

 diseases from the chickens and often diseases which are 

 not so serious with the chickens may prove to be very 

 troublesome with the turkeys. For this reason it is well 

 to keep the fowls ranging away from the farm buildings 



