164 HOW I MADE $10,000 IN ONE YEAR 



flock, a dose of Salts 1 pound to 250 birds, and the dose 

 is repeated three times, on alternate days. Fresh water 

 is given each day at from 3 to 4 o'clock. Douglas Mix- 

 ture is then given steadily for one week. 



Meantime a certain part of the day is given over to 

 picking up affected birds. These are put into the hos- 

 pital. They are given no special treatment there except- 

 ing that Douglas Mixture is kept in the water con- 

 stantly. 



Where canker in the windpipe occurs, if it is discovered 

 in time, the canker is removed with a bone crochet hook. 

 The bird may best be held by crowding the feet between 

 your knees. The head of the bird is held in the left hand, 

 the mouth being opened with the thumb and forefinger. 

 Quick work is necessary to success. The hook is slid into 

 the mouth and is run into the windpipe when the bird 

 draws its breath ; the opening is always expanded for a 

 brief instant. In many cases the canker can be peeled 

 out with one deft stroke. If it breaks it is advisable to 

 paint it over with a weak solution of some disinfectant; 

 we use a 10 per cent Argerole, diluted heavily with water. 

 It is applied by means of the tip of a feather which can be 

 run through the opening into the windpipe. Strip the 

 quill until but a brush remains. In 24 hours another ef- 

 fort can be made to bring out the whole mass. Two or 

 three applications will usually soften the growth to such 

 an extent that it will come out readily. If it continues 

 to stick tight the case is hopeless. We have cleaned 

 throats of the tight canker by patient work and brought 

 the bird back to laying, but the canker invariably returns 

 after a time and the bird must be put away. 



