io8 cocker's manual. 



RHEUMATISM 



Arises frequently from confinement in a cold and damp place, with- 

 out sufficient light or air. It is noticed by the stiffness of the limbs, 

 unsteady gait, and evident pain caused by the slightest movement. 

 The disease can be partially if not entirely removed by placing the 

 fowl in a warm, dry place, and externally applying stimulants, rub- 

 bing the legs and thighs, A soft or opening feed will be of service. 

 The large varieties appear to be more subject to this disease than others. 



RATTLES, OR ASTHMA. 



A complaint particularly prevalent among young fowls, and is oc- 

 casioned by colds, or cold, damp weather' The premonitory symp- 

 toms are a rattling sound in the throat, with a perceptible laboring 

 for breath, occasioned by phlegm obstructing the' air cells. 



Treatment. — Bathe the head in warm salted water ; give a tea- 

 spoonful of vinegar each morning, also a dose of dry black pepper. 

 The food should consist of bread and milk ; a light physic may be 

 given. A cure is sometimes effected by giving a teaspoonful of cod- 

 liver oil during the first stages of the disease. Care should be taken 

 to keep the fowl in warm quarters. 



FEVER 



Is of frequent occurrence among fowls that have been long confined, 

 over fed, and not given a sufficient supply of water. Fighting also 

 occasions it. Fever is easily cured, but when attending other diseases 

 frequently proves fatal. Symptoms : The head is hot, eyes very 

 red, etc. 



Treatment. — Give a light physic, with a little nitre in the drinking 

 water. With light food and change of air the fowl will soon recover. 



LOSS OF FEATHERS. 



The following remarks on this subject we take from Dr. Bennett's 

 Poultry Book: "This disease, which is common to confined fowls, is 

 by no means to be confounded with the natural process of moulting. 



