POULTRY DEPARTMENT. 433 



As a preventive of the spread of diseases, where there is a fair sized 

 ftock, it is best to destroy the sick bird immediately, 'provided there is 

 any indication of a contagious disease. 



It is somewhat difficult to recognize diseases of chickens, as the bodies 

 are covered with feathers, and there are so few ways in which the dis- 

 eases can be determined. Still there are symptoms to be found accom- 

 panying all diseases that may by a little careful examination be discov- 

 ered, and from these it is possible to determine what is the matter with 

 the fowl. 



Never let a fowl that shows any signs of illness remain for a minute 

 with the flock. Put the diseased fowl in a separate place, where chlo- 

 ride of lime has been sprinkled. It is well in case of contagious disease 

 breaking out in a flock of birds, to well disinfect the grounds and 

 house. 



If a fowl is seen moping or refusing its food, remove at once. If the 

 illness proves to be a contagious disease, the remainder of the flock may 

 be kept free, and if it is not, certainly no harm has been done. 



Crop-bound. Occasionallj' a fowl is unable to pass the food from the 

 crop into the gizzard, and the crop becomes so filled with food that it 

 hangs like a bag in front of the bird. Although the crop is full, the 

 bird will if not relieved die of starvation, because no food will pass into 

 the stomach, so long as the obstruction continues. 



Try and soften up the food by pouring some warm milk and water 

 down the throat, and kneading the crop with the hands. If taken in 

 time this usually effects a cure. If it does not, make an incision into 

 the crop, through the skin, and remove the contents with a verj' small 

 spoon, being careful to remove every particle. Then wash out the crop 

 with warm water, and sew up the incision, first the inside skin, then 

 the outside, with .silk or horse hair. Feed the fowl on soft food without 

 water, for a few days and the cure is effected. 



Gapes. A very common disease of chickens is known as gapes, on 

 account of the constant gaping of the mouth. This is caused by a small 

 worm which gets into the throat, and if not removed l)y the chicken 

 sneezing or by the hand, the chicken soon dies of suffocation. 



It is difficult to detertnine the cause of these worms and where they 

 come from, but it is sufficient for us to know thej^ are there and must be 

 removed. They may sometimes be prevented by applying to the heads 

 of newly-hatched chicks murcurial ointment, but in other cases all efforts 

 to get rid of them are in vain. 



