POULTRY DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. I4I 



As the disease progresses the mites which are becoming con- 

 stantly more numerous penetrate very deep into the tissues, 

 causing lameness and sometimes the loss of some of the toes. 



The infection from bird to bird probably takes place on the 

 roosts or from mother to chick. Robinson believes that the 

 birds most likely to be infected are those with a deficient supply 

 of oil in the skin. The conditions which favor its spread in a 

 flock are dry, barren runs, especially on alkaline soils or in yards 

 filled with ashes or cinders. Foul roosting places also favor the 

 spread of the disease. The disease is easily cured and it is 

 worth the trouble of any poultryman to cure all the affected 

 birds and to examine any birds purchased that infected ones 

 may be treated before they are introduced into the flock. 



Treatment. — Individual treatment is necessary to cure the dis- 

 ease. This treatment consists in the application of some pene- 

 trating oil to the diseased parts. A large number of oils and 

 ointments have been used successfully. If the case is not far ad- 

 vanced and if there is no especial hurry about bringing about the 

 cure the application of the oils or ointments at intervals of 2 or 

 3 days will soon do the work. If the birds must be cured quickly 

 for show or sale purposes the cure is hastened by removing the 

 scales and crusts before applying the medicine. This may be 

 done by brushing with a stiff toothbrush before each treatment. 

 Or the feet may be soaked for a few moments in warm soapy 

 water and then brushed. When the disease is far advanced it 

 is best to begin the treatment by the removal of the scales. 



Haiduk's experiments show that one of the very best cures 

 for scaly leg is oil of caraway. This is best applied in an oint- 

 ment made of i part of oil of caraway to 5 parts of white vase- 

 line. Oil of caraway is very penetrating and is not nearly as 

 irritating as some of the treatments more usually advised. This 

 ointment should be rubbed into the leg and foot every few days 

 until signs of the disease disappear. 



Hill recommends daily application of an ointment made of 

 equal parts of vaseline and zinc ointment, or in severe cases of 

 one made of i ounce of sulphur, )^ ounce of oxide of zinc, i 

 dram of oil of tar and 2 ounces of whale oil mixed together. 



There are two common remedies used successfully by poultry- 

 men. These are irritating and should be used with some cau- 

 tion. They have the advantage of being quickly applied. The 

 best of these is probably a mixture of i part of coal oil or kero- 



