58 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
careful not to inhale any of the fumes. To rid the fowls of the pests which are lodged on their bodies, 
I make a mixture of lime, wood ashes, and sulphur, and dust the birds thoroughly with this by the aid 
of sulphur bellows. Another very effective plan is to mix a little carbolic powder and hme into the dust 
bath to which the fowls resort." 
Enemies to be Guarded Against. 
Of all the enemies that are likely to interfere and cause loss in the management of Poultry, Lice 
head the list. The Australian climate is one of the most favourable for the breeding and rearing of 
Poultry — and lice — and it is well if this enemy to successful Poultry culture (though being so diminutive) 
is recognised as the most formidable opponent of all the natural enemies which prey upon this section 
of the feathered tribes. No trouble is too great to be taken to guard against the appearance of these 
pests, a little neglect on this head causing trouble and serious loss, so that preventive measures taken at 
the outset, and repeated occasionally, will secure immunity from their attacks. 
Domestic cats in some locations cause no end of trouble, especially having a decided liking for 
young chickens ; and where this is the case, extra precautions must be taken to secure the inmates of 
the coops from their depredations. The native cat in country districts is, however, one of the greatest 
pests the Poultry Farmer has to contend with, a frequent occurrence being the wholesale slaughter of 
the whole of the inmates of the house or yard in a single night. Little else can be done than by 
shooting or trapping them, it not being a wise plan to place poison in any shape or form at or near a 
Poultry run. 
Crows and hawks are ver}' destructive to young and also half-grown chickens in outlying districts, 
probably nn)re of the latter being lost by their depredations than from any other. One Poultry Farmer 
acquainted us with the fact that he lost over 200 head annually by the crows, and gave half-a-crown 
each for every crow shot near his farm. 
Rats are another source of annoyance, and occasion great loss at times, whole broods of chickens 
often being taken during one night ; and once rats taste eggs, there is poor hope of getting chickens 
hatched, unless the hen is set in a position where it is impossible for the rats to get at her. The best 
plan to get rid of these pests is certainly by trapping, it being far too risky a proceeding to poison 
them, as frequently portions of the poisoned food will be liable to be dropped about the run or yard by 
the rats, and probably cause the death of fowls and chickens also, which may be very valuable. 
Thieves can only be checkmated by making the roosting-house secure, keeping a good dog to 
warn you of their presence, and a gun ready at hand — a blank charge fired at thieves gives them a 
wholesome dread of sneaking round your hen-roost afterwards. 
