CHAPTER X 

 DISEASES 



Prevention is better tlian cure. Indeed, with a few exceptions, 

 tliere are no "cures" for poultry Ills. 



These things are necessary for health: good stock, proper hous- 

 ing, feeding, and cleanliness. Given these, and there will be very 

 little sickness in any plant. 



Good stock is the principal thing. Birds that are bright, alert, 

 with keen appetites; with clear eyes, red combs, smooth plumage, 

 clean legs; the male that crows, "talks", digs, fights; the female that 

 scratches, "sings" and lays. Such birds are healthy, and will beget 

 healthy chicks. 



Breeding stock should be mature. To be on the safe side, 

 no bird should be placed in the breeding pen before it is a year old. 

 While most varieties are laying long before this, there are few that 

 lay eggs fit for hatching at an earlier age. The two year old hen lays 

 eggs that are larger, and better in every way for breeding purposes. 



There is no danger from judicious inbreeding. Indeed, inbreeding 

 is absolutely necessary to produce certain results. 



BUT BE CAREFUL. 



If the breeder Is heedless or ignorant; if he uses birds that are, 

 or have been, afflicted with any disease; if both parents have a 

 similar fault — in any of these cases inbreeding is dangerous. 



Never use a bird for breeding that has been sick. Remember this 

 rule and live up to it. A slight ailment— a trifiing cold or "off" on 



