108 PROFITABLE PIGEON BREEDING 



disinfecting every nook and comer of the lofts and scalding the 

 flrinking fountains, etc. 



The affected Ijird may be treated as follows: Remove the 

 cankerous growth with a small pointed stick and mop the raw 

 place with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. After this 

 carefidly ajiply a pinch of burnt alum dust to the spot. Don't 

 p\it in too much of this dust as the bird will inhale it causing 

 it to choke. Place the bird in a coop by itself and do not feed 

 until the next day or at least for eight hours. It should then 

 bo force-fed on a liberal supply of bread crumbs. As the 

 patient shows signs of improvement place grain l.)efore it and 

 tempt it to eat. Keep fresh Abater where he can get all he 

 desires. B(> sure that the ))ird is thoroughly cured before re- 

 turning it to the lofts. If the disease cannot be checked in a 

 reasonalile Icngtii of time the be.st remedy is to apply the axe 

 treatment. Rememl)er that canker is \ery contagious and I 

 lielievr hereditary though I must frankly admit that I have 

 ne\er had an occasion to elieck tliis last statement. 



Going Light 



'riiis is jirohalily the most common of all pigeons diseases. 

 It is a wasting away of flesh and strength. It also finds its 

 origin iri mouhl>- grain, filtliy water, etc., and from bad nour- 

 islinient. An oxer-worked specimen that is improperly fed is 

 au eas\- victim. The affected l)ird usually selects a secluded spot 

 in the lofts and bundles uj) in a hea]) and, if not bothered, will 

 remain in one spot in such a position for several hours. The 

 excreta, or filth, issued Ijy this bird is watery, showing the lack 

 of nourislunent as nothing is i)assing through the bowels. 



Tlie treatment that we ha\e always usecl has lieen to confine 

 the bii'd b\' itself, remoxi^ the main tail feathers one in' one. 

 Next \\i' gi\e a dose of about five or six drops of castor oil once 

 a day for tliree days, using a medicine dropper. Force bread 

 crumbs down the bird's tliroat three times a day, putting a 

 small pinch of Pratt's Condition Powder on the bread. As the 

 j)atient shows signs of improvement, and he usually will with 



