Part 29 (2/2)

CAUSE: Irritation of the membranes lining the intestines, caused by dry feed, gla.s.s or gravel; may also be due to parasitic worms. Obstruction may occur in any part of the intestines although the external opening is the part most frequently affected.

SYMPTOMS: Bird appears dull and stupid, walks with difficulty and attempts frequently to expel the obstructing material. The appet.i.te is poor and the feathers rough. By examination and manipulation the obstruction may be located. Dried ma.s.ses of excrement by adhering to the feathers sometimes block the outer opening of the intestines.

TREATMENT: Remove the waste matter clinging to the feathers with warm water or by clipping the feathers off. If the Cloaca is obstructed, give injections of Sweet Oil or Olive Oil with a small bulb syringe. Also give one to two grains of Calomel and feed clean food and soft mashes containing Pulv. Gentian Root, one grain to each fowl twice daily. This stimulates the worm-like movement of the bowels and a.s.sists in expelling their contents.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Photograph of chicken.]

PRIZE WINNING PLYMOUTH ROCK c.o.c.k.

CROP IMPACTION

(Obstruction, Paralysis, Inflammation, Catarrh)

CAUSE: Errors in feeding; birds that are not fed regularly are predisposed to any of the above conditions; may also be due to swallowing large pieces of bone, thread, nails, pins, gla.s.s, gravel, etc.

SYMPTOMS: Loss of appet.i.te, frequent attempts to swallow, crop greatly distended and hard on pressure; eventually the food decomposes and a liquid may escape from the mouth and nose. The bird appears dull, stupid and sleepy, comb pale, feathers rough, beak open, owing to pressure on the windpipe. If caused by swallowing sharp objects, they may penetrate the crop and skin, causing a gangrenous condition. Grain in the crop will sometimes send out sprouts of considerable lengths.

TREATMENT: If no sharp objects are present, give two teaspoonfuls of Sweet or Olive Oil. This will lubricate the esophagus and crop.

Manipulate the crop upward, forcing the food gently through the mouth, adding oil occasionally. If, however, sharp objects penetrate the crop it is best to remove them through an artificial opening. Clip the feathers from around the intended seat of operation and wash the clipped surface with a Carbolic Solution, one teaspoonful to a pint of water.

The incision should not be over one-half inch long and should be made as high as possible and in the center of the crop. After removing the contents, sew up with ordinary thread and needle and wash occasionally with the above antiseptic solution. The operation is not difficult and will be successful if the parts are not too badly inflamed.

After-treatment consists of feeding very little food until the crop is fairly well healed. Feed soft bran mashes and vegetables. To the drinking water add Boracic Acid, one grain, twice daily. It relieves the catarrhal condition that is present, such as irritations of the crop and intestines.

DIARRHOEA

(Gastro-Intestinal Catarrh--Enteritis)

CAUSE: Inflammation of the digestive organs can be traced in every instance to the quality or quant.i.ty of food and water consumed. The food or water may contain parasites, or large quant.i.ties of mustard, pepper, or may be moldy or tainted.

SYMPTOMS: Loss of appet.i.te, the feathers appear rough, the crop is sometimes paralyzed and distended with gas, the bird moves slowly, the droppings vary in color from a white to a yellow or a green and finally becomes tinged with blood; at this stage there is a rise in temperature accompanied by great thirst and signs of pain. Mild cases of simple diarrhoea if not properly treated when first symptoms appear, will develop the same severe conditions described above.

TREATMENT: Determine the cause and remove it if possible. See that the food is clean and nutritious, the coops well ventilated, the runs well lighted. Sunlight is very beneficial. Avoid exposure, drafts and dampness. Place oatmeal in their drinking water, also give two grains of Bis.m.u.th mixed with dough and make into a small pill. Give one every six hours.

When in addition to the above symptoms a b.l.o.o.d.y discharge is present, give six drops of Tincture of Catechu every four hours. Warm mashes made of bran or oatmeal are very nouris.h.i.+ng and soothing to the intestinal ca.n.a.l.

DIPHTHERITIC ROUP

(Diphtheria)

CAUSE: Due to a specific germ. The disease is very contagious and is communicated by direct contact. Great care should be exercised, therefore, when showing or buying birds. Any new birds to be added to the flock should be kept in separate pens for a week or two to make sure they are in good condition.

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