CHAPTER XXXV 

 AILMENTS AND DISEASES 



When to Doctor. — It has been said that the best cure for ailing 

 fowls is a sharp hatchet. 



The writer will not take issue with this treatment as an effec- 

 tive remedy for some ailments, yet as a hard and fast rule to 

 be recommended for general practice, the hatchet cure is a little 

 too stringent. 



There is no question but that a sickly flock of fowls are a con- 

 stant source of vexation and financial loss to their owner, and 

 while it is very often unprofitable to expend much time and 

 trouble doctoring them, in my experience it will pay to administer 

 first-aid treatment in the early stages of a disorder; and if the 

 patient responds within a reasonable time, continue the treat- 

 ment; otherwise, call in the assistance of the hatchet. 



Health Is Everything. — It does not matter how valuable a 

 strain of blood there may be in a flock of chickens, how long a 

 pedigree, or how many blue ribbons are back of them; how 

 splendidly equipped are their buildings; nor yet how attractive 

 and convenient may be the location and environment of a farm, 

 the foundation for success with poultry is built on perfect health, 

 — a strong, vigorous vitality, — and to this all else is subordinate. 



Sickness in some form, though it may be of a trivial nature, 

 visits every flock at some time or other, and whether the trouble 

 finds a permanent abiding place, a home, so to speak, in which 

 to thrive, or whether it is met with an aggressive inhospitality 

 and promptly driven off and exterminated, depends almost 

 wholly upon the caliber and energy of the attendant in charge 

 of the flock. 



Unfortunately, the beginner's farm usually endures the greatest 



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