Poultry Diseases 207 



infectious, as many poultry diseases are, it is likely 

 to spread to the rest of the flock, unless checked 

 at once. 



For these reasons it is wise to get the bird out of 

 the flock and out of the way. 



Another reason for getting rid of sick or doubtful 

 fowls is the difficulty found in identifying the dis- 

 ease. Very few men can tell you what is wrong in 

 most cases. The average poultry man of long ex- 

 perience can guess right only once in a while. 



Some years ago I had a flock of various breeds ; 

 many valuable birds. I did what we all solemnly 

 warn others to avoid^ — bought strange puUets, and, 

 being very busy away from home, let them mix 

 with the others, as they showed no signs of ill 

 health. 



Soon trouble began. An old hen died. . Then 

 a cock began to droop. Severe diarrhea, with 

 yellow urates, set in. Combs turned purple, 

 and the future looked dark. 



At once I appealed to all I had hope in for help. 

 I sent samples, whole birds, descriptions as re- 

 quested. All the help I got put together was not 

 worth a postage stamp, so far as a cure was con- 

 cerned. The replies did, however, serve to lend 



