The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book' 



over-and-under stitch, draw the edges of the crop to- 

 gether. After this is done, draw up the outer skin and 

 either sew this alscf, or secure it firmly with strips of 

 court-plaster. Keep the bird by itself, giving it a little 

 soaked bread, as well as its drinking-water, and in a few 

 days the wound in the crop will be healed and the bird 

 entirely recovered. By making the incision at the upper 

 portion of the crop there is- no danger of inflammation 

 setting in, as would be the case if the cut were made at 

 the lower portion where the food and water would be 

 likely to rest. Rubbing the wound 'every day with a 

 little vaseline aids it in healing. 



FOUL CROP 



This is caused by 'indigeston and the food in the 

 crops becomes watery, sour and very offensive. I would 

 advise washing out the crop by way of the mouth and 

 warm water. After thoroughly cleansing the crop, give 

 a dose of a castor oil capsule and when this has done 

 its work dissolve six pellets of nux vomica in a cup of 

 water, letting the bird drink at will. Feed lightly for 

 a few days with seft food. When fully recovered grain 

 can be fed as usual. 



DIARRHOEA 



This disease in pigeons is usually termed scouring, 

 and is caused by chill, by foul water, and by eating un- 

 ripe or musty grain. Sometimes new grain will so 

 affect pigeons as to cause the floor of their loft or house 

 to be as wet as though sprinkled with water. When the 

 grain is supposed to be the cause of the trouble, the 

 sooner it is changed the better. Usually where this is 

 the cause the whole flock will be affected alike. In case 

 of chill or foul water it will probably show itself in an 

 individual member. If disease is traced to bad grain, 



137 



