160 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
of the intestine independent of the action of infectious organisms. 
Among the causes which may produce a catarrhal condition of the 
intestinal mucous membrane and result in simple diarrhea are diges- 
tive disturbances of an obscure nature, sudden changes in the feed 
or an unusually large supply of green feed, too much meat scrap, 
especially irritating substances in the feed, moldy grains or decom- 
posed flesh. Mineral or other irritants which are not taken in suf- 
ficient quantity to cause poisoning or enteritis may produce a simple 
diarrhea. Fermentation of the contents of the intestine may result 
in diarrhea. 
Treatment. The cause of simple diarrhea being direct intestinal 
irritation, the obvious remedy is to remove the cause. Where only a 
few birds are affected they should be given 2 teaspoonfuls of castor 
oil each. The entire flock may be given Epsom salts if necessary, 
in the proportion of % to % teaspoonful to each grown fowl. The 
salts may be dissolved in water and mixed in a mash to be fed early 
in the morning. If suspicion points to the feed as the cause of diar- 
rhea it should be changed or fed in smaller amounts combined with 
other feeds. 
CONSTIPATION 
This is apparently not a common ailment of fowls. It does, how- 
ever, occur to some extent in fowls confined in small quarters for 
long periods with insufficient exercise. Lack of green or succulent 
feed also tends toward constipation. Following diarrhea there may 
be a temporary or slight constipation. The condition in young chicks 
suffering from white diarrhea known as “ pasting up behind” can- 
not be considered a true constipation since the droppings are merely 
held back by the drying of the discharges in the down surrounding the 
vent. Fowls allowed free range, or large runs and properly fed are 
practically free of constipation. 
Treatment. The condition may be relieved by administering 
substances which will cause an increased secretion of fluid from the 
intestinal mucosa, or increased peristalsis. Two teaspoonfuls of 
castor oil or 7 to 4% teaspoonful of Epsom salts to each affected bird 
would be indicated. 
Gage and Opperman have determined the dosage of Epsom salts for 
birds of various ages as follows: 
