COMMON POULTRY DISEASES 313 



tended range. If not checked, it leads to cannibalism. The 

 birds get the odor of, and a taste for blood, and are apt to 

 kill each other, in considerable numbers. It is more common 

 with the Leghorns than with any other breed. 



Bumble Foot. — Birds are often noticed to walk lame. 

 Upon close examination, one or both feet will be found to 

 be swollen, and a com or other growth developing on the 

 sole of the foot. The condition is due to the perches being 

 too high, which compels the birds to jiunp a considerable 

 distance to reach the floor. The hard growth can be cut 

 out with a hard knife, the wound washed with a solution of 

 creolin, and the pus or core removed. The foot should then 

 be thoroughly disinfected, and the bird put in a clean cage 

 until the wound heals. 



Frozen Combs. — In passing, it may be well to mention 

 the possibility of frozen combs and their effect upon the 

 health and productivity of the birds. During long spells 

 of damp weather in the late winter, the freezing of combs, 

 especially with the male birds, is common. It is sure to 

 lower the vitality and stamina of the birds, and means low 

 fertility in hatching eggs. Frozen combs also mean weak 

 germs, and even if the eggs are incubated, there are many 

 deaths in the shell. The combs or face parts of females 

 are rarely frozen. Dry cold is not dangerous; but if a damp, 

 humid atmosphere is followed by a drop to low temperature, 

 the birds must be specially protected by closing the muslin 

 curtain, or shade, in the front of the house, yet giving them 

 plenty of ventilation to carry off the moisture exhaled by 

 them at night. Frozen combs should be immediately bathed 

 with cold water, until all of the frost is out, and they have 

 returned to their normal appearance. They should be 

 anointed with carbolated vaseline twice daily until the scab 

 is entirely healed. Males whose combs or wattles have been 

 frozen should never be used for breeding, until at least four 

 weeks after they return to normal condition (Fig. 172). 



