DISEASES OF POULTRY. 81 



sary to good health. An insufficient supply of drink- 

 ing water i.s, also, regarded as a cause. 



Symptoms . — The affected bird has difficulty in swal - 



• lowing or entirely loses its appetite. The crop is 



• greatly distended, the swelling sometimes being of 

 remarkable size. It is hard and more or less firm and 

 unyielding on pressure. Sometimes a fermenting or 

 decomposing liquid escapes from the mouth and nos- 

 trils. The bird is slow in its movements, dull, stupid, 

 and sleepy. The comb is pale, the beak is kept open 

 on account of the pressure on the trachea, and the 

 feathers appear rough. In some instances sharp - 

 pointed nails or other pointed objects are found tO' 

 have penetrated the crop and skin and remain pro- 

 jecting from the puncture. 



J The pressure of the distended crop upon the wind - 

 pipe and blood-vessels may cause asphyxia, the crop 

 may become affected with gangrene, or it may even be 

 ruptured. As much as three -fourths of a pound of 

 moist or even sprouted grain has been removed from 

 the crop in these severe cases. 



Treatment. — The treatment of affected birds should 

 be prompt and energetic to avoid the fatal complica- 

 tions which have been mentioned. Pour a small quan - 

 tity of sweet oil into the mouth and cause the bird to 

 swallow it. Then manipulate that portion of the crop 

 nearest the throat by careful pressure and squeezing 

 between the thumb and finger in such a manner as to 

 break up the contents of the crop and force it towards 

 the mouth in small portions. Suspend the bird head 

 downwards from time to tinie and press the loosened 

 particles of food towards the head so that they will 

 escape from the mouth. With care and patience the 

 crop may be entirely emptied in this way, if oil is ad ■ 



