EGG-EATING
A bad habit that may be controlled
Symptoms. If remains of eggs are seen in nests or runs, the poultryman should become suspicious and make observations to prove whether any of his flock are eating eggs.
Cause. Broken eggs or soft-shelled eggs left about the yard may be the cause of hens acquiring this bad habit.
Treatment. All signs of broken eggs should always be immediately removed. The culprit, when detected, should be removed to a different pen and nest. Dark nests have been recommended. A trap nest will prevent a hen from getting at her egg.
EMPHYSEMA (AIR UNDER SKIN)
Not a common disease of chickens
Symptoms. In this disease of chickens the skin becomes puffed out in one or more places, generally on the neck. In rare cases the puffing spreads over nearly the whole of the body.
Cause. This disease is evidently caused by some obstruction of the air passages that forces the air to escape under the skin.
Treatment. Let out the air by puncturing the skin. Give soft and nourishing food. It will probably be wiser not to use birds that recover from this complaint for breeding stock.
EPILEPSY
An unusual complaint
Symptoms. The bird staggers about and has a fit. It may recover.