70 Diseases of Poiilfri/ 



the first thing to be done is to remove this. This can usually 

 be done by soaking the mass with warm soapsuds. As soon 

 as this is loosened a little the feathers can be clipped and the 

 entire mass removed. If the case is of long standing the 

 cloaca may also be filled with hard excrement. This can 

 sometimes be softened by injecting warm soapsuds or a 

 little olive or sweet oil. In all cases a purgative should be 

 given such as castor oil, Epsom salts or calomel. 



Indigestion 



Birds frequently suffer from disorders of the digestive 

 system which are not easily classified under any of the 

 diseases so far treated. Simple indigestion or dyspepsia 

 most frequently results from overfeeding, and the feeding of 

 ground grains and meat without sufficient green food are 

 some of the causes usually given. 



Symptoms. — The birds are dull and listless. They are 

 inclined to sit on the roosts, and usually have but little 

 appetite. Occasionally birds suffering from indigestion have 

 an abnormal appetite and will eat ravenously quantities 

 of foods which furnish but little nourishment, e.g., grit. 

 Indigestion is often accompanied by either constipation or 

 diarrhea. In the latter case the symptoms are similar to 

 those described under simple diarrhea (p. G4). 



Treatment. — In treating indigestion it is important to 

 observe the general rules of hygiene (cf. Chapter II). The 

 house should be clean and as free from dust as possible. 

 Sunshine should be able to reach every corner of the pens. 

 The water dishes should be kept thoroughly clean and the 

 supply of water should be kept pure and fresh. Use potas- 

 sium permanganate in the drinking water as directed on 

 p. 25. I^se well balanced rations and feed at regular 

 hours. Put fine (chick size) charcoal into the mash in 



