148 POULTRY 
head—liver diseases. These diseases are 
usually brought about by improper feed: for 
example, feeding too much mash to the lay- 
ing hens; or feeding too much protein, such 
as meat scraps, fish scraps, and milk. Also, 
indigestion or constipation may cause a 
similar condition. 
The following are the usual symptoms: 
The comb of the bird usually turns dark, 
frequently a deep purple. Occasionally the 
comb turns light or pale. A post-mortem 
examination shows the liver to be either very 
much enlarged or very much shrunken. It 
may be spotted or marbled in appearance. 
It is usually pale, and in many cases is very 
friable or easily broken. 
The best treatment for the disease is, of 
course, to remove the cause. However, as 
mentioned in the paragraphs on constipation, 
an occasional case of liver disease need cause 
no alarm. There are likely a few birds in 
every flock which cannot stand the modern 
system of feeding. If the trouble appears to 
be somewhat general it will be well to take 
the mash away from the hens for several 
days. Feed them rather sparingly on scratch 
