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Indigestion. 



Fowls closely confined and fed mostly on rich, concentrated 

 feeds are very likely to have indigestion. A glance at the drop- 

 pings board in the morning will reveal the presence of any 

 trouble of this kind. Normal droppings are quite firm and keep 

 their shape. Thin or watery droppings indicate diarrhoea. If 

 such are noticed, endeavor to find the affected bird. A badly 

 soiled fiuff may assist in finding her. Such birds should be 

 given a dose of epsom salts or sweet oil. If left until they mope 

 about, the majority cannot be saved. From one-half to one 

 teaspoonful of epsom salts or 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls of sweet 

 oil are sufficient for a dose. The latter is best administered by 

 turning down the throat of the bird. The former can be dis- 

 solved in a little water and given in the same way, or, if the 

 entire flock is treated, dissolve in water and mix with soft feed. 

 Have the birds hungry so that each will get a share. It is 

 advisable to treat a flock once in six or seven weeks with 

 epsom salts, even if no symptoms manifest themselves. Some 

 poultrymen who feed a definite amount of dry mash daily oc- 

 casionally add a little epsom salts. Neighbors often throw 

 scraps and waste material into the yard, but this plan is to be 

 condemned, as in many instances they do not understand the 

 objectionable qualities of certain feeds, and therefore may give 

 things that will cause indigestion. 



Rheumatism. 



This is a disease that will not trouble back yard poultrymen 

 if the house is kept dry and in sanitary condition, but if it does 

 there is not much help for it. This disease is mentioned because 

 it is sometimes confused with what is known as leg weakness. 



Leg Weakness. 

 This disease must not be confused with gout or rheumatism. 

 It usually comes on suddenly, and in many instances the birds 

 are found in the morning on the floor unable to stand or walk, 

 lying on their sides with feet and legs projecting, or, in other 

 words, there is partial paralysis. In some cases only one leg is 

 affected at first; in other respects the bird appears normal. 



