cocker's manual. 103 



DISEASES. 



As it is our purpose to make this manual strictly practical, such 

 complaints will only be mentioned as are most common and with 

 which fowls are most liable to be troubled. The methods of treat- 

 ment have been more or less practiced, and consequently we feel not 

 the slightest hesitation in recommending them as in every respect 

 reliable and adapted for the different diseases. Without doubt there 

 are many instances when it would be more profitable to kill than to 

 cure the fowl ; and an attempt to cure should only be made when the 

 disease with which the fowl is afflicted is well known. Over treat- 

 ment should be guarded against. It is better to use precaution than 

 medicine ; and if fowls are kept clean, are supplied with fresh water 

 and a change of food, they are less liable to disease. 



ROUP. 



Perhaps no one disease to which fowls are liable is more trouble- 

 some than the roup. It attacks the old and the young. Strong and 

 healthy fowls are less subject, and when attacked are more easily 

 cured. During the continuance of the disease great care should be 

 shown the bird. Dr. Cooper gives the symptoms as follows ; "Rising 

 and falling of the wattles at each breath, a whooping sound in the 

 throat, fetid discharge from the nose. In some the head and eyes will 

 swell, then the swollen parts are feverish, and if not soon attended to 

 a yellow matter will form in the eyes, which, if not regularly dressed, 

 will destroy that member. The fowl's appetite fails, his desire for 

 drink increases, his crop feels hard, and his feathers lose their glossy 

 appearance." 



Treatment. — As soon as the disease is discerned the fowl should 

 be placed by itself in a clean, dry box, with plenty of straw. The 

 head, neck and throat should be washed, and the eyes thoroughly 

 rinsed with warm water in which common salt has been dissolved ; 

 give a half teaspoonful of dry black pepper ; supply with soft food — a 

 little bread soaked in ale is beneficial. When a fowl begins to iaa- 

 prove place him in the sun for a short time each day. If the bird 

 continues to rattle give a teaspoonful of cod-liver oil, or fish oil. 

 Keep his box clean and supply with fresh straw each day. With good 



