22 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING BUILDINGS 
Previous to applying a disinfectant to a building it is essential 
that all dirt and filth be removed by sweeping, scraping or washing. 
This is necessary in order to expose the woodwork to the unob- 
structed action of the disinfectant. 
A considerable range of choice of disinfectants is possible. Selec- 
tion of a disinfectant will be made on the basis of relative cheap- 
ness, availability and suitability to the requirements imposed by the 
article to be disinfected. 
Compound solution of cresol. This substance also known as 
liquor cresolis compositus, consists of a mixture of equal parts of 
eresol with a linseed oil-potash soap. It mixes well with soft water, 
but is less satisfactory in this respect when hard water is used. This 
disinfectant may be obtained at any drug store and on account of 
cheaper price is to be preferred to carbolic acid. It is employed 
for general disinfection in the proportion of four ounces to a gal- 
lon of water. 
Formaldehyde gas. Formaldehyde is ordinarily obtainable in 
a forty per cent solution in water, a product which is known as 
formalin. Formaldehyde is a strong non-poisonous disinfectant, is 
not hindered in its action by albuminous material and in general 
is not harmful to metals. The gas is a good surface disinfectant 
and may be employed in disinfecting incubators and such rooms 
as may be easily made air tight. Ordinary poultry houses are not 
constructed tightly enough to warrant the trouble of sealing all cracks. 
Under conditions warranting its use, the room in which the gas is 
to be used is carefully examined and all cracks are sealed with strips 
of paper applied with paste. 
The gas is liberated from the watery solution by mixing formalin 
with needle crystals of potassium permanganate. For each 1,000 
eubic feet of air space there should be used 20 ounces of formalin 
and 1674 ounces of potassium permanganate. The permanganate is 
placed in a shallow pan with flaring sides and the proper amount of 
formalin is poured in the pan. Provision should be made to protect 
the flopr as the ingredients of the mixture may splash during the 
violent reaction that ensues. Splashing will be minimized by using 
a bucket, but in this case considerable formaldehyde gas may con- 
dense on the walls of the vessel. After mixing the chemicals, the 
operator should leave the room promptly to avoid inhaling the irri- 
tating fumes. The room should be kept sealed for eight hours. 
