LICE 489 



Where artificial brooding is practiced the temperature 

 should be reduced as low as possible without making the 

 birds uncomfortable. At the same time a dose of Epsom 

 salts should be administered, and particular pains taken 

 to see that a considerable amount of granulated bone is 

 consumed. If the birds are being forced, the amount of 

 protein in the ration should be reduced and exercise induced 

 in every way possible. An abundant supply of green feed 

 is frequently very helpful in overcoming this difficulty. 



Lice. — There are several species of lice which infest poultry, 

 and between which, from the practical stand-point, it is not 

 necessary to distinguish. Whenever birds begin to show 

 lack of thrift it is always well to suspect lice, and to make 

 an examination in an effort to discover them. While they 

 infest all parts of the body, they are usually particularly 

 numerous about the vent and under the wings. Masses of 

 eggs or nits may frequently be found attached to the base 

 of the feathers about the vent. 



Lice multiply very rapidly, and unless steps are taken to 

 control them, are likely to interfere with both the birds' 

 health and production. With any except the most heavily 

 feathered breeds lice may be kept in control by simply 

 furnishing dusting facilities. Common road dust is very 

 satisfactory, as are also sifted coal ashes. Wood ashes 

 should not be used. Where the dust bath does not control 

 the situation, individual treatment must be resorted to. 

 Persian insect powder (pyrethrum), which may be secured at 

 any drug store will be found satisfactory when thoroughly 

 dusted into the feathers of an infested fowl. Where con- 

 siderable numbers are to be treated, the Lawry louse powder 

 may be used, for which the formula is as follows : 



Plaster of Paris ... . . 2| pounds 



Crude carbolic acid, 90 to 95 per cent, pure lor \ 



pint cresol) . . .J pint 



Gasoline x " 



Place the plaster of Paris in a suitable pan or vessel and 

 stir in the mixture of the two liquids. Mix thoroughly until 

 all the liquid has been absorbed by the plaster of Paris. 



