CHAP. vn. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 645 



when birds are reared in confinement. Rice, maize, and similar foods 

 are objectionable if used alone, and in fact maize should not be used 

 at all. A good tonic is needed, of which many forms are sold for the 

 purpose, and the circulation may be increased by rubbing the legs well 

 with turpentine. Lime should always be at hand. 



Cramp. Early chickens often suffer from this complaint, the toes 

 being drawn together, instead of spread out in the proper manner. 

 Damp and want of exercise are the cause, and also weakness. To 

 remedy this the place where the birds are kept must be dry, and they 

 must be encouraged to work for their food. Give internal tonics, and, 

 after bathing the feet in warm water, rub them well with turpentine ; 

 then encase them in flannel moistened with the same fluid, and place 

 near a fire. 



Rheumatism. Older birds, more especially of the heavier and five- 

 toed varieties, sometimes suffer from this complaint, those bred or kept 

 upon very damp soils especially so. Of course there is some taint in 

 the blood which must be eradicated. A good aperient twice a-week is 

 helpful, and sulphur should be mixed with the food. The legs should 

 be rubbed well every day with camphorated oil, and three to five grains 

 of nitrate of potash should be administered daily. To reduce the 

 inflammation doses of aconite may be given, and the food should be 

 rather stimulating. 



Bumble Foot. The five-toed varieties are subject to this complaint, 

 which is a swelling on the ball of the foot, either in the form of an 

 abscess or of a corn. If the former, it must be punctured ; if the latter, 

 cut out. The place should be dressed daily until healed, and the bird 

 kept on soft straw or hay. In other breeds than those named the same 

 result is met with, due either to injury of the foot, or to flying down 

 from too high a perch. 



Scaly Legs. Of this there are two forms, one due to failure of the 

 oily secretion, resulting in a dryness of the scales, and the other to the 

 presence of a parasite. There are various ointments sold for this 

 trouble which are very efficacious, or these can be made. For the first 

 named form of disease vaseline and zinc ointment applied daily will 

 effect a cure, and for the latter, or parasitic form, wash the legs daily, 

 scrubbing them with a hard nail-brush, and then apply sulphur oint- 

 ment. So treated, this disease is easy of cure. 



SKIN AND COMB. 



Eczema. An eruption of the skin, generally found on the face and 

 wattles. It is due to an affection of the blood, the result of keeping 

 under unnatural conditions. The small scabs or crusts are very irri- 

 table, and the bird appears thoroughly out of condition. Cooling 

 medicine should be given at first, such as magnesia, followed by pills 

 made of calomel, two grs. ; Barbadoes aloes, eight grs. ; and gingerine, 

 half gr. This will make three pills large enough for fowls. Dress 

 the skin with a lotion made of one dr. of carbolic acid and six oz. of 

 distilled water. 



