Parasites 227 



mended. If we take the ashes from the stove and 

 sift them over the dropping boards and roosts, 

 the Ught, fine dust gets into every crevice. Dust 

 is death to small insects of this type, and wiU 

 certainly keep them from breeding, where other 

 conditions are good. Sifted ashes in the chicken 

 yard is especially important. 



Scaly Leg. — There is little to fear from scaly leg 

 in a well-kept flock, although the mite which 

 causes it may be found in many yards, and certain 

 hens may carry them without attracting much 

 attention. Such mites bore under the scales of 

 the leg, which soon becomes enlarged and red. In 

 advanced cases the leg is double the normal size, 

 and the fowl becomes lame. 



This trouble is only slightly contagious, but it 

 frequently happens that one or two of the flock 

 will be affected and the rest will escape. There 

 is no reason to let it gain a leg hold, as the cure is 

 simple and easy: mix one part of oil of caraway 

 with five parts of white vaseline. Rub this into 

 the leg, after washing with warm water, and re- 

 peat each week two or three times. The oil of 

 caraway kills the mites, and the ointment will 

 soothe and heal the afflicted parts. 



