CHAPTER XXXIV 



LICE MITES FLEAS 



THERE are three common pests which are liable to 

 infest the poultryman's flock at any time lice, mites, 

 and fleas. Of the former there are at least a dozen 

 species to be found on our domestic fowls, which 

 includes hens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, guineas, 

 peafowls, and pheasants. 



Poultry keepers who wish to attain any degree of 

 success with their flocks must combat these pests the 

 year around. Prevention is the sure way to keep 

 them from doing any damage at all. 



Keep your birds free from lice is advice easily 

 given, but not so easily carried out. Even fowls 

 kept under the best conditions may at some time or 

 another become infested with vermin. They may be 

 transmitted from the neighbor's flocks or may be 

 brought on the premises by sparrows or other birds 

 of the air. It is therefore of the utmost importance 

 that the poultry keeper be alert always and examine 

 some of his birds occasionally so as to detect their 

 first appearance if possible. 



Lice and mites will increase at an alarming pace 

 and the least neglect in this direction may result in 

 spreading these pests throughout the flock in such 



164 



