Diseases of birds, and their treatment and cure. 217


bellows and inhaled by the bird, which is confined in an almost air¬

tight box or coop (we use a box fitted with a glazed top, which is

kept darkened with a sack until it is desired to see how matters are

progressing).


It is but fair to add, however, that, according to my experience,

there is in all severe cases an element of risk in the use of any

powder, vapour, or spirit powerful enough to kill or dislodge the

parasite worms, for, putting aside the narrow margin between

parasite and bird or animal life, it occasionally happens that a bird

will suffocate through being unable to cough up or clear the trachea

(windpipe) of a ball of dead or unattached worms.



DISEASES OF BIRDS, AND THEIR TREAT¬

MENT AND CURE — I.


By P. F. M. Galloway.


(Concluded from p . 194.)


Diarrhcea. — -Birds are not often attacked by this complaint

if suitably fed; but occasionally a bird will void a chalky excrement,

and, if not attended to, it will collect little by little on the vent

feathers, harden, and seal the vent, and cause a sort of stoppage.

Directly this chalky excrement is observed, give a small pinch of

saline in its tin of drinking-water—about as much as will cover a

threepenny-piece—let it fizz by stirring, and then give it to the bird.

This will cool the blood and clear the bowels. I have found Andrews’

liver salts the best for the purpose. Next day put a good pinch of

prepared chalk in the water, making it quite milky. Let the bird

have this for a day or so until the condition of the excrement is

normal.


Colds or Chills. — Birds should always be kept out of a

direct draught, it would be better to put the bird out in the roughest

wind than have him in a place where a cool draught (no matter

how gentle the draught of air) was moving over him. Sometimes

birds with the best of care will get a chill, and this generally at

moulting time, it depends upon the weather conditions a great

deal; for instance, a warm day, followed suddenly by a more or



