CHAPTER XVI. 

 DISEASES OF THE HEAD, COMB AND WATTLES. 



1. Frost Bites. 



Frost bites are commonly met with, especially among 

 flocks of fowl not provided with sufficiently warm quarters 

 or a scratching shed. Leghorns or other birds possessing 

 a large comb are more likely to become frozen, more espe- 

 cially when in poor condition. 



Symptoms. — The comb or wattles when frost bitten 

 present a purplish appearance, being darker and more ap- 

 proaching to black the more severely frozen. The general 

 condition otherwise is apparently not affected. 



Treatment. — Place the fowl in a moderately warm place 

 so that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. Apply a salve 

 made of 



Coal Oil 3 dessertspoonfuls. 



Lard 2 dessertspoonfuls. 



Quinine 2 teaspoonfuls. 



If allowed to remain too long after being frozen before 

 commencing treatment nothing can save the frozen parts 

 from decay. If, however, the case is taken in time and 

 properly treated as we have directed, decay may be pre- 

 vented, the circulation restored and the parts brought back 

 to normal conditions. 



2. Black Rot, Dead Comb. 



Causes. — The main cause of dead comb is a poor phys- 

 ical condition resulting from improper care and poor diet. 



Symptoms. — The comb in the early stages of the dis- 

 ease presents a slightly dark, purplish color usually com- 

 mencing at the ends of the spikes. This color gradually 

 becomes darker, finally becoming quite black as the disease 

 progresses. The bird is weak, listless and in generally poor 

 physical condition. 



Treatment. — The first attention should be directed to 

 the general comfort of the bird by providing a warm, dry, 

 clean, sunny place for it. Correct the improper diet by 

 supplying grit, old plaster and vegetable food. Bathe the 

 comb twice a day with lukewarm carbolic water (5 drops 



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