The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book 



forward between its legs, and then from side to side, 

 apparently having no control of it. These actions are 

 indicative of great distress, and quickly awaken one's 

 sympathies in the bird's behalf. That it is largely a 

 nervous affection is evident from the fact that it is worse 

 when startled. It may be standing apparently in a nat- 

 ural condition and on being disturbed suddenly, it will 

 begin to throw its head back, and then twisting it as 

 described and finally rolling over on its side helpless. 

 It is deemed by some an incurable disease, but I have 

 found that gently showering the back of the head, keep- 

 ing it in a quiet place, and giving one-half teaspoonful 

 of Rochelle salts wet, every third day, often effects a 

 cure. Unless, however, a valuable bird, I should advise 

 putting it out of its misery as soon as attacked. It is 

 caused, no doubt, by high living and insufficient ex- 

 ercise. 



TUMORS 



These frequently form on various parts of the head in 

 the shape of round, hard bunches, which, on examina- 

 tion, are found movable under the skin. They can be 

 easily removed by making an incision with a sharp knife 

 and squeezing the interior lump out. This will be found 

 to consist of a yellowish, cheesy matter, and is, no 

 doubt, of scrofulous origin. As soon as removed, have 

 ready a little burnt alum to sprinkle in the wound; this 

 congeals the blood and the wound soon heals. 



ROUP 



This has always been one of the greatest scourges of 

 the pigeon-loft, because it so frequently attacks the 

 young birds about the time they are able to care for 

 themselves and are going through their first molt. It 

 attacks, however, both old and young, and is caused by 



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