16 Diseases of Poultry 



which confront him at every turn in his reading of poultry 

 periodicals, or he may buy a plain disinfectant like formalde- 

 hyde, or carbolic acid. 



There is no more effective general disinfectant than 

 formaldehyde, and it also has the advantage of being cheap. 

 We have used it regularly for some years past with excellent 

 results. A 5 per cent solution of commercial formalin in 

 water is applied to walls, floors and roost boards by means 

 of a pressure spray pump. Various hand pumps of this 

 type are on the market. It will pay the poultryman to get 

 one of the well made higher priced sorts. If a spray pump 

 is not available the formaldehyde solution may be put on 

 with a brush. In any case a liberal amount should be used. 

 When applying it all doors and windows should be open 

 to diminish as much as possible the irritating effect of the 

 vapor on the worker. His hands should also be protected 

 by the use of well oiled leather gloves. 



Some writers have advocated the formaldehyde gas method 

 for disinfecting poultry houses, using the permanganate 

 method of generating. This, however, is indicated only 

 for rooms which can easily be closed up air tight. It costs 

 too much in time and trouble to make any form of "fresh 

 air" poultry house even moderately air tight. The for- 

 maldehyde gas method is well adapted to disinfecting and 

 fumigating feed rooms, incubator cellars, brooder houses 

 and all houses which can be readily made air tight. For the 

 benefit of those who wish to use the method for such purposes 

 the following directions are given. This will give a very 

 strong fumigation and disinfection but such is indicated 

 about poultry establishments. 



Formaldehyde gas disinfection. — First make the room as 

 tight as possible by stopping cracks, key-holes, etc.,. with 

 pieces of cloth or similar substance. Open bins and doors 

 of closets, etc., to allow free access of the gas. Use a metal 



