512 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



to multiply in great numbers, as they are prone to do, they will 

 sometimes become so thick as to cause death. Sitting hens are 

 especially annoyed by them. 



The female lice deposit their eggs on the feathers of the fowls, 

 cementing them to the quills near the skin. In a few days these 

 eggs hatch, in a short time they breed, also, propagating more and 

 more, so that it is possible for thousands to be multiplied in a 

 couple of months. In warm weather conditions are particularly 

 favorable for their reproduction, consequently with the approach 

 of spring and throughout the summer months extra care must be 

 taken to destroy them. 



Mites. — If anything mites are more troublesome than lice. 

 They abound in larger numbers, and aside from tormenting the 

 fowls, they actually subsist on the blood of the birds. They are not 

 usually found on the bodies of the fowls except when on the roost 

 or in the nest. During the day mites inhabit cracks and cre\'ices 

 of the walls, roosts and other fittings. Many houses, unsuspected, 

 actually swarm with them. When these pests have accumulated 

 in such hordes that they are unable to get enough blood from 

 the fowls during the night, they are found to remain on the birds 

 during the day. 



Potent Enemy. — ^Though infinitesimal in size and, therefore, 

 almost insignificant individually, collectively mites represent an 

 enemy with the potentiality of a fair-sized animal. A host of 

 blood -sucking mites is capable of absorbing more blood, more 

 vitality over night than the fowl can replace by the assimilation 

 of large quantities of food during the day. In addition to this 

 actual loss of blood, which is a terrific drain on the fowl's strength, 

 the bird must endure the torment of being constantly pierced 

 and chewed by these pests. Sitting hens are often so tormented 

 that they are compelled to leave their nests in order to relieve 

 themselves. 



^ The mouth of the louse is formed for biting and chewing, and 

 since they have a fondness for moisture, they can be poisoned by 

 spreading a mercurial ointment where they are seen to congre- 

 gate on the fowls. This treatment should be used on mature 



