482 POULTRY DISEASES AND PARASITES 



almost entirely removed without the aid of a knife. If it is 

 not possible to accomplish this, a string should be tied 

 about the leg above the foot to prevent excessive bleeding, 

 and the abscess opened with a knife, and thoroughly cleaned 

 out. The foot should then be wrapped in cloth to prevent 

 its being picked by other birds. If the infection has not 

 become generalized recovery is usually prompt and complete, 

 though a second opening of the abscess may be necessary 

 if the work of removing the pus core is not careful and 

 complete in the first instance. 



Chicken Pox. — ^This disease, frequently referred to as sore 

 head, is usually recognized by the warty excrescences which 

 appear on the face and head gear. These protrusions 

 later become scabby. Investigators are uncertain whether 

 this is simply one form of roup or an entirely different 

 disease. Uncertainty also exists as to the cause, whether 

 it be one or more organisms or a virus. As a usual thing 

 if the scabs are removed promptly upon their appearance, 

 and creoline or any standard stock dip applied, full strength, 

 the trouble will disappear. As in the case of all infectious 

 diseases, the bird should be promptly isolated and not 

 returned to the flock until the trouble has entirely disappeared. 



Constipation. — Constipation may occur from a variety of 

 causes. It is far more common among young stock than 

 among the older birds. It may be caused through irritation 

 of the mucous membranes of the intestine or through such 

 obstruction as may result from the eating of a feather, 

 or the accumulation of gravel, or even the accumulation 

 of intestinal worms. Birds usually stand or crouch with 

 ruffled feathers, or move about with more or less difficulty, 

 and make frequent and apparently painful attempts to 

 pass the excrement. Where such cases appear in the flock 

 the whole flock should immediately be purged by means of 

 Epsom salts in the mash at the rate of a teaspoonful per 

 adult bird. With young stock the doses should be modified 

 to suit the age of the stock. 



Diarrhea. — The careful husbandman always watches the 

 consistency of the droppings of whatever sort of animals 

 he may be keeping. The normal consistency of chicken 



