POULTRY DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 43 



Treatment. — In treating indigestion it is important to observe 

 the'general rules of hygiene (of. Chapter II). The house should 

 be clean and as free from dust as possible. Sunshine should be 

 able to reach every corner of the pens. The water dishes should 

 be kept thoroughly clean and the supply of water should be kept 

 pure and fresh. Use potassium permanganate in the drinking 

 water as directed on p. 16. Use well balanced rations and feed 

 at regular hours. Put fine (chick size) charcoal into the mash 

 in considerable quantity. Enough should be used to make the 

 mash decidedly black. This is a very important measure for 

 the treatment of indigestion. Give the birds plenty of exer- 

 cise. A small amount of a good stock tonic may help to bring 

 the birds back into proper vigor. The following formula ( from 

 Me. Agr. Expt. Stat. Ann. Rpt. 1896) has frequently been used 

 with good success. 



Pulverized Gentian i lb. 



Pulverized Ginger J4 lb. 



Pulverized Saltpeter J4 ^b. 



Pulverized Iron Sulphate J4 lb. 



These substances can be procured from any drug store and 

 mixed by the poultryman. Use 2 to 3 tablespoonsful of the 

 tonic to 10 quarts of dry mash. 



Dr. N. W. Sanborn (Reliable Poultry Remedies) recommends 

 the following treatment for indigestion : "If for i week at the 

 beginning of the improved care you will add i teaspoonful of 

 sulphate of magnesia to every quart of drinking water, and fol- 

 low this for 2 weeks with J/^ of a grain of strychnine to each 

 quart of water, you will hasten the time when the birds will be 

 well." 



