999 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 71 



QUESTION What is a good remedy for chicken pox ? 



ANSWER Annoint the affected parts frequently with carbolated 

 vaseline, removing the crusts as they soften and yield to gentle rub- 

 bing. 



QUESTION Do fowls have epileptic fits? 



ANSWER Yes, occasionally. The effects and symptoms are the 

 same as in people. They may be caused by tumors on the brain and 

 in some cases intestinal worms. Treatment is unsatisfactory, but in 

 mild cases 3 grains of biomide of potash given twice a day is some- 

 times beneficial. 



QUESTION What causes a hen to "bag down behind" and what 

 is the cure? 



ANSWER Sometimes hens become so fat that the posterior por- 

 tion of the body almost drags the ground, which condition is com- 

 monly termed "bagging down behind." The flesh becomes diseased 

 and is red and inflamed. In chronic cases the roots of the feathers are 

 affected and the plumage drops off. leaving the bird in a most un- 

 sightly condition. When the trouble has not reached the incurable 

 stage the remedy is to feed sparingly, giving mostly green food and 

 compelling the bird to scratch for all the grain given it. In addi- 

 tion to this apply vaseline daily to the exposed portion of the body. 



QUESTION What is the cause of little chicks becoming clogged 

 up behind ? 



ANSWER It is caused by bowel trouble, which may be the result 

 of errors in feeding or lice or improper brooding, in which case it 

 is generally lack of sufficient heat. Examine them for lice and feed 

 them boiled rice with a little lime water to drink. 



QUESTION What is the best cure for a frostbitten comb ? 



ANSWER There is no remedy which will restore the comb to its 

 normal condition if treatment is delayed till the comb turns black. 

 The best that can be done is to annoint it frequently with carbolated 

 vaseline or other like ointment. 



QUESTION What causes swollen eyes in fowls, and what will 

 cure them? 



ANSWER Roup in some of its stages is generally the cause. 

 A slight cold may at times settle in the eye and cause it to swell. 

 This is especially true if a fowl roosts near a crack in the wall of the 

 roosting quarters where the wind blowing through will strike the 

 head and eye. Bathe the eye with equal parts of warm water and 

 vinegar and annoint it with carbolated vaseline. See question rela- 

 tive to roup. 



