184 ENEMIES AND DISEASES OF POULTRY 



Epsom salts, called also bitter salt, is a white, hydrated, 

 crystalline salt known chemically as magnesium sulphate. 

 It is used as a purgative in doses of Ys teaspoonful to 

 each fowl. 



Castor oil is a thick yellowish-white oil expressed from 

 the castor bean. It is used as a purgative. 



Olive oil, called also sweet oil, is an oil expressed from 

 the ripe fruit of the olive. It serves the purpose of butter 

 in some countries, but in most parts of the civilized 

 world is used chiefly in salad dressings. Olive oil is 

 the most nearly perfect laxative for use with poultry, 

 as it is both healing and nutritious, thus possessing an 

 advantage over castor oil. A tablespoonful of olive oil 

 can be safely administered. 



Camphor is a gumlike, translucent, crystalline com- 

 pound with a penetrating, fragrant odor; it is distilled 

 from the wood and bark of the camphor tree. It may 

 be used as a medicine for poultry to allay irritation, 

 as in colds and in cases of slight diarrhea. 



Copper sulphate, called also bluestone, is a blue crystal- 

 line substance that is used as an astringent and stimu- 

 lant, but not more than from % to % gr. should be 

 administered more than once a day to any fowl. 



Iron sulphate, called also copperas, is a green, crystal- 

 line substance that is used for the same purpose as 

 copper sulphate and can be administered in doses of 

 *A to y 2 gr. 



Douglas mixture is used as a tonic for both poultry and 

 pigeons, and is made by mixing ^2 lb. of iron sulphate 

 with 1 oz. of sulphuric acid dissolved in 2 gal. of water. 

 This may be used in the drinking water 2 tablespoon- 

 fuls of the mixture to each pint of water. 



Table salt is sparingly used to season mash foods 

 for poultry. A large quantity of salt will kill poultry, 

 and it is better to give them none than too much. Less 

 salt should be used to season food for poultry than is 

 needed for human beings. 



Rhinitis tablets, half strength, are an excellent remedy 

 for a cold in its early stages. They are given to 



