64 



CHAPTEE X. 



. DISEASES. 



'HEEE is no need to give here a full description of the 

 treatment of diseases. Several vrorks are published on 

 the subject, within the reach of all. We vyill just men- 

 tion a few of the most common ailments. 



Moulting is not a disease, but sometimes requires treatment 

 A little extra nourishing food, a feed of hemp-seed, and once or twice 

 a week a little sulphur in the soft food may be given, and if the tail 

 feathers do not grow properly a little vaseline should be applied to 

 the roots. If any vermin are present powdered sulphur or insect 

 powder dusted into the feathers will destroy them. 



Bumble-Foot is caused by high perches or hard floors, the birds 

 coming down heavily on their feet, or treading on some sharp sub- 

 stance, or bruising the sole of the foot. In the early stages painting 

 with tincture of arnica is good ; if advanced and matter formed two 

 cuts should be made crosswise, the matter squeezed out and the foot 

 fomented with hot water, and a dressing put on consisting of one 

 part carbolic acid and ten parts olive oil. If this does not effect a 

 cure blue stone or caustic must be applied or the foot poulticed 

 with linseed meal. The bird should be kept on a bed of soft straw 

 or moss, and not allowed to roost until well. 



Boup. — This is the worst disease to which poultry are subject ; 

 any bird showing symptoms of it should at once be removed from 

 the rest, and completely isolated. The symptoms of roup are an 

 offensive smell arising from the nose and mouth, frothy bubbles, 

 and sometimes pus at the corner of the eyes, round which the head 

 is swollen, and sometimes the bird is unable to see. A solution of 

 sulphate of copper to wash eyes, nostrils, and mouth is recom- 

 mended, as is also a weak solution of carbolic acid. Pills consisting 

 of half a grain of sulphate of copper, one third of a grain of hydras- 

 tin, oil of copaiba three drops, powdered charcoal, and ginger are 



