DISEASl'S OF POULTRY. 151 



tion. If an egg is found within the swelling treat as 

 recommended for obstruction of the oviduct. In all 

 cases of prolapsus, the oviduct if soiled with adhering 

 manure or dirt should be washed clean with warm 

 water before it is replaced. Keep the bird in a small 

 coop where it will be quiet until it has recovered. 



DIFFICULT LAYING, EGG BOUND, OBSTRUCTION OF 

 THE OVIDUCT. 



lyaying may become difficult because of irritation of 

 the lower part of the oviduct arresting the secretion of 

 mucus and causing the mucous metnbrane to become 

 dry and lacking in its normal lubrication. The same 

 trouble results from birds being too fat or from the 

 eggs being too large, and is aggravated by constipa- 

 tion. If the cause is sufficiently pronounced in its ac- 

 tion, the affected bird may be unable to expel the egg; 

 this is arrested in the passage where it sets up inflamma - 

 tion and leads to straining and possibly to prolapsus 

 of the oviduct. 



Symptoms. — When fowls are egg bound they at 

 first go frequently to the nest, making efforts to lay 

 but are. unable to accomplish this function. They are 

 restless and evidently in more or less distress. I^ater 

 they become dull, with rough plumage and are indis- 

 posed to move. On examining the bird by pressure 

 of the finger about the vent, the egg can be distin- 

 guished as a hard body in the posterior part of the 

 abdominal cavity. In case of prolapsus, the everted 

 oviduct may be easily seen. 



Treatment. — In the early stages when the irrita- 

 tion is slight, it is sufficient to inject a small quantity 

 of olive oil and gently manipulate the parts. After- 

 wards, give cooling food, and, if hens are too fat, re- 

 duce the ration. In case the expulsion of the egg can 



