236 Diseases of PouUry 



is best done by first softening the scabs with warm water or 

 with oil or glycerine. Robinson recommends scraping with 

 the back of a knife or a spoon handle. The parts should then 

 be painted with tincture of iodine or should be bathed with 

 corrosive sublimate solution, 1 part of the sublimate to 1000 

 parts of water, and then rubbing with the ointment described 

 on page 55. In using the corrosive sublimate solution it should 

 be borne in mind that this solution, which unless colored with 

 some dye looks exactly like water, is extremely poisonous 

 to men and animals when taken internally. Dishes or bottles 

 of corrosive sublimate should never be left where they can be 

 accidentally mistaken for water. 



Lard and sulphur are often used successfully in the treat- 

 ment of favus. Use nearly as much sulphur as lard and work 

 them into a smooth salve. In early stages the disease 

 usually yields to application of lard or oil alone. 



Prognosis. — In early stages the favus may be cured at the 

 expense of a small amount of attention. After the feathered 

 parts become affected a cure requires considerable labor as the 

 fungus is better protected from the applications. 



White Comb 



This name is often used for favus, but some authorities 

 {e.g., Vale) use it to designate a condition of the comb charac- 

 terized by a white powdery scurf of the surface. The comb 

 is light colored and the white scales or flakes are particles 

 detached from the epidermis. This condition is thought to 

 be due to anaemia. Wright says that it " appears generally 

 due to dirt, or overcrowding in small space, or want of green 

 food." The only treatment advised is to place the birds 

 under sanitary conditions and give them a good balanced 

 ration. 



