BIRDS. 125 



BALDNESS. 



Poultrymen always mean loss of feathers about the head by 

 this term. {See Diseases of the Comb, page 128.) 



BLACK ROT. 



This term is applied to a congested condition of the comb 

 which goes on to actual death or " rot," as poultrymen 

 call it. 



Causes. — Over-development of the comb in certain breeds, 

 as those of the Spanish type, close confinement, and absence of 

 natural food as grubs, insects, vegetable matter, &c., &c. 



Treatment. — Place a red-hot bar of iron in the drinking 

 water as often as it requires replenishing. If the first symptoms 

 are observed, a little dilute-Elliman's (one part to ten of water), 

 may be rubbed into the base of the comb, and vaseline applied 

 to the edges. Liberty is the cure as well as prevention. 



BROKEN LIMBS. 



Domestic fowls as well as caged birds are subject to 

 broken limbs, the result as a rule of their getting hung up in 

 fences or wire cages, and in the case of farm-yard fovv^ls through 

 their being trodden upon by animals or injured by undisciplined 

 dogs. 



The commonest seat of fracture is below the hock, by which 

 we mean the great joint between the foot and the thigh. Many 

 a good bird is sacrificed under the impression that nothing 

 curative can be done. 



Treatment. — Secure the bird at once and prevent further 

 injury through fright and struggling. This particularly applies 

 to small cage-birds, whose limbs will unite as well as those of 

 fowls if properly attended to. 



