CATARRH.
Cause.—Exposure; poorly constructed coops which admit rain or drafts. Weak birds are very susceptible to Catarrh.
Symptoms.—The bird is dull, moves about slowly, coughing or sneezing; appetite is poor, the mucous membrane of the air passage becomes inflamed and the breathing difficult, especially through the nose. The discharge from the nostrils at first watery, becomes mucus-like and thick and sticky, closing the nose, causing the bird to breathe wholly through the mouth with a wheezing sound.
Treatment.—The cause of Catarrh shows the necessity of clean and comfortable quarters for the fowls. Keep the birds strong and vigorous by feeding clean, nourishing food.
Medical Treatment.—To each fowl administer in their drinking water or feed: Chlorate of Potash, one grain, twice daily.
CHICKEN POX.
(Sore Head—Warts)
Cause.—These diseases are due to low forms of parasites or fungi and occur most frequently in wet weather especially if the coops are leaky and allow the rain to fall on the droppings, causing mold or fungi. Poor ventilation and lack of light also promotes the growth of fungi.
Symptoms.—The disease is usually confined to the head and affects principally young chickens, pigeons and turkeys, but rarely ducks and geese. The infection appears in form of yellowish warts or nodules about the nose, eyelids, comb, wattles, under the wings, or any unfeathered place. The warts vary in size from that of a pin head to the size of a pea and they discharge a fluid which at first is thin and watery but as the disease progresses, it becomes thick and sticky, yellow in color and fetid in smell. At this stage the appetite is poor, the feathers appear rough, and where the eyelids are affected, as in most cases, the bird cannot see, fails to eat, becomes emaciated, loses weight and strength rapidly and if not properly treated, dies.
Treatment.—This disease is very contagious, therefore the coops and runs should be disinfected with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted. In the drinking water add Hyposulphite of Soda in the proportion of one to two grains to each fowl (one-half grain to chicks). Wash the nodules or warts about the head with Carbolic Acid solution, one teaspoonful to a quart of water. Feed easily digested food, such as vegetables or warm bran mashes.