AIR SAC MITE.
Cause.—Produced by a parasite called Cylodites Nudus, which bears a close resemblance to the parasite causing mange or scabies in the domesticated animal. Owing to the peculiar construction of their breathing organs fowls are more susceptible to parasites than animals. In addition to effecting the lungs, the Air Sac Mite may extend its operations to the intestines, kidneys, liver and bones.
Symptoms.—Unthriftiness is first noticed, but after the parasites become numerous, the fowl shows signs of difficult breathing, perhaps terminating in bronchial pneumonia. In some cases death occurs without apparent cause. The bird will be inactive, becomes separated from the rest of the flock, comb pale, head drawn close to the body, wings hang pendulous, lose flesh, breathing becomes hard, coughing, sneezing and a rattling from the mucus in the windpipe is heard. Death is produced from suffocation.
Treatment.—Separate the sick from the healthy fowls. Disinfect coops and runways of both sick and healthy birds with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted. Also fumigate the fowls in their coops with steam from hot water and Pine Tar. This may be done by placing the water and Tar in a pan and then inserting a hot stone or brick in the solution. This perhaps is the simplest method of fumigation. Also mix Sulphur in their feed regularly.
APOPLEXY.
(Hemorrhage of the Brain)
Due to the rupture of a blood vessel of the brain and pressure from the escaping blood.
Cause.—Mechanical injuries, straining when laying eggs (hens are frequently found dead on the nest from this cause), overfeeding, stimulating food, etc., all tend to produce apoplexy.
Symptoms.—Appear very suddenly, bird is seen to walk unsteadily, falls, or perhaps is found dead.
Treatment.—In mild attacks, apply cold water or ice to fowl’s head until thoroughly cooled. Give one-half grain of Calomel, feed soft food, compel the bird to exercise. Owing to the loss of blood a tonic will be necessary. Pulv. Gentian Root, Pulv. Saltpeter, Capsicum and Ferri Sulphate Pulv. equal parts one ounce. Mix and place one teaspoonful in feed for every twenty-five fowls. This tonic purifies and builds up the blood, just what is needed in this particular condition.
BALDNESS.
(Favus)
Cause.—Due to fungi.
Symptoms.—The first noticeable sign is the whitish appearance of the comb due to gray spots about the size of a pin head. As the disease progresses, this condition spreads to other parts of the body; the feathers look rough and dry and break easily. The fowl grows weaker, refuses to eat and if not properly treated, dies.
Treatment.—Remove the scabs by separating the feathers and using a brush. Apply Sulphur Ointment. Repeat this treatment after two or three days. Great care must be taken to prevent the fowl from chilling or taking cold.