232 PO UL TR T- CRAFT. 



for chickens in ^310. Turkeys are affected by many of the same diseases as 



chickens, and by a few which are either peculiar to the turkey or attack it in 



a different form. 



Diseases most prevalent among and disastrous to turkeys, are : 

 Blackhead which has been long common and troublesome in the east, 



and frequently appears in other sections. According to Cushman : 



** It is an infectious liver disease, similar in its nature to human dysentery. The 

 disease takes its name from the fact that turkeys of a certain age, when affected, look 

 shrunken, pinched, and purple about the head. Turkeys having the disease probably 

 affect the land they run upon. The organisms are present in their excrement, and if 

 taken in with food or water, may produce the disease in other turkeys. Sick birds 

 should be killed and burned or deeply buried. Buildings, coops and feeding and drinking 

 vessels which they may have contaminated, should be disinfected. Birds once having this 

 trouble, even if they have apparently recovered, may still not be free from it, and be able 

 to scatter infecting material. It is therefore not best to keep specimens that have ever 

 been affected. Take great pains to clear out the sick from both young and old, and then 

 if it is possible, change the well ones to new ground. Some turkeys resist infection 

 where others succumb to it. Doubtless some have such vigor and power that they over- 

 come or destroy infection if it reaches them. 



" Little turkeys are most susceptible. They are infected early in life, and the disease 

 develops fast or slow according to how numerous the organisms are, or to the strength 

 of the turkey. Wet, stormy weather aggravates the disease. Their feathers look rough ; 

 they have diarrhoea, with bright yellow excrement ; and they weakly drag one foot after 

 the other for some time before they die. Here (in Rhode Island) they usually die in the 

 latter part of July, early in August, and at the beginning of cold weather. 



" In some cases both caeca are affected, in others but one, or a part of one. Those 

 having but a small part of the liver invaded may live through the winter, and not die 

 until spring. 



"Prevention is possible, but cure is difficult. By breeding them to secure great vigor, 

 by feeding to counteract any tendency to diarrhoea, and by giving preventive treatment 

 upon the slightest symptoms of abnormal looseness, much may be done to help them 

 resist this disease if they are exposed to it. 



" A tonic and stimulant for the liver and bowels will help prevent the disease ; confine- 

 ment and over-feeding favor it. Pepper and ginger, and something sour are indicated as 

 well as an astringent. Sick turkeys sometimes recover after they can eat all the acorns 

 they want ; they administer the astringent themselves. One beginner, after losing many 

 little turkeys, reports that he cured a lot in two weeks by giving them a saturated solution 

 of epsom salts in milk to drink, and nothing but grass to eat." 



Colds and Roup see f 313. 



Gape Worms 866^313. 



Rheumatism see IF 313. 



Tape Worms are very common in turkeys, and often kill whole flocks of 

 young ones. Freshly powdered kuosso is a highly recommended remedy. 

 Tansy and pumpkin seeds are also recommended. See also IF 3 13. 



