SOME COMMON POULTRY MEDICINES 505 
the foot caused by injury, usually by jumping or flying from a 
great height. The treatment is to open the sore spot with a sharp 
knife, going to the bottom; extract the entire core. Then proceed 
as when treating wounds, except that it is unnecessary to sew up 
so small a cut. 
Frozen Combs.—In the northern part of the United States and 
Canada, especially during exceptionally cold weather, and if not 
properly housed or protected, it is a common occurrence for indi- 
vidual fowls, and sometimes whole flocks, to have their combs 
and wattles frozen. When this misfortune happens, there is an 
immediate falling off in egg production. If the affected birds are 
not treated at once, this falling off will be very marked and pro- 
longed, and, if badly frosted, the frozen parts will be lost. 
Treatment consists in immersing the frozen parts in cold water 
for ten minutes, after which they should be manipulated with 
vaseline once a day, until the comb assumes its normal color and 
texture. Severe freezing spoils a bird for breeding purposes, there- 
fore it must be guarded against. 
Some Common Poultry Medicines.—The following kinds of 
drugs and remedies will often be found useful on poultry plants 
where sick birds of considerable value are treated, or on any plant 
for the treatment of a flock. They should be kept in a small 
cupboard where they are available at all times. The list is recom- 
mended by the Maine Station.* 
Calomel (Subchloride of Mercury).—A very useful alterative 
medicine for fowls of all ages. One-grain pills are usually used. 
One-fourth grain is a good laxative. It has avery good effect on 
the liver. It should be followed in two hours by a dose of castor oil. 
Cayenne is an excellent liver stimulant when given in not 
too large quantities. In case of colds it is very useful, and is often 
used as one of the ingredients in stimulants so often fed to increase 
or stimulate winter egg production. 
Catechu is often used to treat severe cases of diarrhcea. The 
average dose of powdered catechu is from 2 to 5 grains and of the 
tincture from 2 to 5 drops. 
Castor Oil—One of the best and most common remedies for 
diarrhoea. This affliction is often caused by some scour or fetid 
mass in the intestine; a dose of castor oil will often remove this 
and thus allay the diarrhea. It is also a valuable factor to aid 
in reducing an impacted crop. A teaspoonful of castor oil is poured 
*“Poultry Diseases and Their Treatment,” by Pearl and Surface. 
