KINDS OF VERMIN 



511 



parasites, the owner of a well-organized poultry plant makes it 

 his business to establish a regular sanitary schedule — a system 

 of spraying and disinfecting, also whitewashing, which he adheres 

 to quite as rigorously as feeding and watering. Not so frequently, 

 of course, but just as systematically. 



The point is — that it is equally important for the keeper of a 

 small flock to exercise propor- 

 tionate care. Because the 

 flock is small, or because it is 

 kept merely as a side line is 

 no excuse for exemption, and 

 no guarantee that the birds 

 will not be troubled. How- 

 ever unpleasant the idea may 

 be, you must make up your 

 mind to the fact that wher- 

 ever you keep fowls you are 

 going to have vermin, unless 

 you fight these pests, and 

 fight them strenuously and 

 continuously. There is an 

 affinity between fowls and 

 vermin . They must be fought 

 the same as the farmer fights 

 potato-bugs and cut-worms. 



Kinds of Parasites. — ^The 

 parasites that attack poultry 

 are of two kinds, commonly 

 known as lice and mites. 

 There are several varieties of 



the former, but since they have the same general characteris- 

 tics and are combated in the same way, we need not concern 

 ourselves with a study of individual species. They live mainly 

 on the secretions of the body, feathers and skin, and inhabit 

 the fowls day and night. They are found largely on the head 

 and neck, under the wings and about the vent. When allowed 



(^Courtesy U. S. Dep't AgricuUure) 



Fig. 315. — Dusting a fowl with insect 

 powder. 



