DISEASES OF POULTRY. 203 



condition may be caused by heavy birds flying from 

 their perches and alighting upon a stony surface or 

 hard floor. 



Suitable precautions should be adopted to prevent 

 the development of corns. The perches should be 

 broad and flat, they should be of a proper height, and 

 the floor upon which the birds alight should be cov - 

 ered with earth or sand so the feet will not be bruised. 

 The affected birds should be treated by paring off the 

 thickened epidermis, without causing bleeding, and 

 applying boric acid ointment (see above), or painting 

 the part with tincture of iodine. 



DEEP BRUISES AND ABSCESSES. 

 ( Bumblefoot. ) 



This is an aggravation of the condition known as 

 corns. It is seen in those cases where the irritation 

 and bruising is most severe or prolonged. The af- 

 fected part is hot, painful, and more or less swollen. 

 Sometimes an abscess has formed, or in older cases 

 this abscess may have broken and left a suppurating 

 sore. In the most severe cases the joints may be in- 

 flamed, and may even be penetrated by the pus chan- 

 nels which have formed from the abscesses. 



As treatment employ the preventive measures al- 

 ready mentioned for corns and other injuries to the 

 feet. 'Soak the feet in warm water for a half hour 

 twice a day and poultice until thie inflammation is 

 reduced. If an abscess in the sole is indicated by a 

 soft, fluctuating swelling of the part, it should be 

 opened with a sharp knife. After the poulticing is 

 completed apply boric acid ointment and protect the 

 feet with a piece of cotton cloth. If the joints have 

 become affected, and particularly if these communicate 

 with the pus channels and are the seat of suppuration, 



