It is generally admitted to be caused by confining too many birds in close, limited quarters; insufficient shade; stale, unhealthy drinking water; exposure to the hot sun; feeding on grass-runs covered with droppings, and the want also of a regular supply of fresh green food. The disease rarely or never occurs where fowls have a liberal range, clean runs, good water and green food daily.
Treatment.—The flock should at once be removed from their unhealthy surroundings, and be given a clear, ample range, and the F.F., every three hours in urgent cases, or three times per day to those who are yet able to eat. The yards should be scraped free of droppings and covered with clean earth. Disinfect pens with 5% carbolic acid or fumigate with sulphur and whitewash with 5% carbolic in the whitewash.
Tuberculosis
Is sometimes observed in fowls, manifested by wasting of flesh and great weakness, notwithstanding good feed. The disease is incurable and affected birds should be killed at once.
In large flocks in close quarters where a few of the birds have it, it will usually be found that all have it, and it may be cheaper in the long run to destroy the entire flock, thoroughly disinfect the entire premises and stock up over again.
Cramps
Chickens are sometimes subject to this disease, especially in damp, cold weather. The toes are first seen to be bent under, and by degrees they walk on the knuckles or outside of the foot, and the birds often squat on the hock. If it is the result of a cold, and the chickens are feverish, as is generally the case, remove them to a comfortable place, and give them the A.A., three times per day. If it fails after a day or two, try the J.K. If the toes are badly cramped, they may be washed in warm water and gently opened and kneaded by the fingers, and afterwards be wiped dry.
Crop Bound
This is caused by the bird gorging itself with grain, tough meat or bone, too large to be digested. When the crop is so distended with hard food or other substance, the outlet is narrowed or entirely closed, so that mechanical manipulation may be necessary to cause its passage.
Where the crop is distended with hard food, and is not passing off, and help is required, pour some milk-warm water down the throat, and then, holding the head downward, quietly manipulate or knead the distended crop with the hand, so as to soften the mass. After the mass has thus been carefully softened, pour down a large teaspoonful of castor or sweet oil, and the mass will be gradually worked off. Food should not be allowed for some time. Give also the J.K., two or three times a day, which may be continued to entire recovery. In many cases the use of the J.K., will be successful without the use of any other means.