180 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



it down near the base of the feathers, below the vent, at 

 the base of the tail, under the wings, around the breast, 

 and in the back of the neck. Care should be taken not to 

 inhale the sodium fluoride powder, as it irritates the nose 

 and throat. A damp handkerchief tied over the nose and 

 mouth can be used by those applying the powder. 



Ointment. One of the most effective ointments used 

 to destroy lice on fowls is commerical blue ointment or 

 mercurial ointment. When the latter is used it should 

 be thoroughly mixed with an equal part of vaseline or lard. 

 Commercial blue ointment may be used un- 

 diluted. When using either of these apply a 

 small portion ( a piece about the size of a pea) 

 with the fingers around the vent of the fowl, 

 but not on the body or under the wings. Care 

 should also be taken to see that none of the 

 ointment gets into the vent, as it is injurious. 



HEAD LICE ON CHICKS 

 Very frequently chicks that are hatched by 

 ,„. , a hen that is infested with lice likewise become 



Figure 180, — A 



head louse infested and frequently die when they are not 



greatly enlarg- i ./ ./ 



ed, such as is properly treated. 



found on chick- r- £- - ./ 



«°S' Remedy. Head Hce may be prevented or 



exterminated by one or more of the following methods. 



Ointment. As a treatment for lice on chickens a small 

 portion of lard or vaseline should be applied to the top of 

 the head, under the wings, and around the vent. As pre- 

 viously suggested in the chapter on brooding, care should 

 be taken not to get too much grease on the chickens, as it 

 may prove fatal. 



Dusting. As a preventive it is suggested that steps be 

 taken to keep the chickens free from hce by dusting the 

 mother hen thoroughly before the chicks are hatched and 

 at intervals of a week or ten days after the chicks are hatched. 



