m ¥M\ IfiSJliPl ^mmmfi Mmmm THE poultry Doctor. A TREATISE ON ^Diseases of Ji oaltru, WITH THEIR SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES. Homcepathscand Allopathic. ALSO A CHAPTER ON THE KEEPING AND REARING OF POULTRY. BY JOHN E. DIEHL, Supt. Poultry Dept. U. S. Centennial Exposition. 3i S^lM 4GO >s. 3d STREET, PUBLI8HED BY THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, PHILADELPHIA, PA. II ^lHiaLciiSf lis 11 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/poultrydoctortreOOdieh THE POULTRY DOCTOR No. 6. A TREATISE ON DISEASES OF POULTRY, WITH SYMPTOMS AND REMEDIES, HOMCEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC. ALSO A CHAPTER ON KEEPING AND REARING POULTRY. BY JOHN K. DIEHL, Supt. Poultry Dept. U. S. Centennial Exposition. PRICE 25 CENTS ; » « PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, Office: No. 400 North Third *--*«**- PHILADELPHIA, .lis , ^ _« ;„ tii.v t P'ir 1S99. by the 1 according to Act ot Congress, in the J ear ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, an or Congress, at Wasluugton, D C Ente re In the Office of tl e Libra Publisher 1€J« i » PREFACE. The object in presenting this little work before the Poultry public is to impart, at small expense, some of the most effective remedies that have been successfully applied by the writer within an experience of the past twenty-five years. The same has been carefully compiled and arranged in convenient form, treating on all the different diseases to which fowls fall heir to in this coun- try, together with the Homoeopathic and Allopathic remedies for the same. Those following the directions, will find that almost all the different diseases can be readily overcome, particularly if taken in the commence- ment, and the practicable advice given will, no doubt, be appreciated by all intelligent breeders of the feathered tribe. Respectfully, JOHN E. DIEHL, Supt. Poultry Dept. V. S. Centennial Exposition* Diseases of Poultry* SYHPTOHS OF SAME, WITH REHEDIES FOR THEIR CURE BY HOriCEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC TREATHENT. Poultry, like human beings, are subject to numerous disorders and ailments which often require medical treat ment in order to help nature assume its healthful sway. We can do no more than co-operate, and our aim should be to follow the indications held out, and assist in the effort to restore health. Before taking- up the different varieties of diseases, it is well to bear in mind the old adage, that u an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." Fowls need very little medicine if they are properly cared for, well lodged, in good, dry, clean, and warm houses that are protected from the weather, and well ventilated, with fair sized grass and gravel runs, good, wholesome food, and plenty of fresh, clean, drinking water. It will be 6 the Poultry doctor. found upon direct investigation, that the greater portion of poultry diseases arise from the wants of either one, or all of the above requirements. The raising of poultry, like any other business, requires strict attention in order to prove successful. NURSING AND DIET. chiefly of soft food, such as oatmeal, or cornmeal mixed with bran, scalded by hot water, and made into a crumbly paste, with fresh, clean water for drink. At the same time the patient should be kept free from all those influences which have fostered the disease; it should also be separa ted from its healthy mates, and be placed in a thoroughly dry, light, clean and well ventilated place, free from strong odors. The object of this, is not only to obviate contamination, but to prevent the patient from being w r orried by its more healthy companions. HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT. By the Associated Fanciers' Specifics. I have used Homoeopathic Specifics for severeral year, with excellent effect. They are simple, easily administer- ed, and very efficient, and if given by mistake, or in error as to the disease, they will occasion no more harm THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 9 t-lian a possible loss of time. The doses, in general, to be given are two pellets for a chicken, or four for a fowl; this may be repeated every two or three hours in severe cases, or two or three times a day in chronic cases If the veterinary specifics are used, one drop diluted in water is sufficient for five fowls, or ten chickens, and the repetition may be as above. When a flock of fowls are to be treated, the pellets or drops may be dissolved in water, i rid mixed with the soft food; care being taken in such cases to have the pellets thoroughly dissolved, or the drops well mixed with water before putting it in the food. The specifics can be obtained from the Associated Fan- ciers, 400 North Third Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Most of them can be delivered by mail. The pellets are number- ed, being the same as are used for individual complaints, The veterinary specifics are liquids, and are lettered. ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT. This method of treatment is more generally known to poultry breeders, as it has been the only one until recent- ly, that has been applied to alleviate the sufferings of fowls. It also has its advantages in those cases where the remedies are either mixed with the food, or put into the drinking water, as it requires none, or very little handling of the patient. The doses to be given will be found under the headings of the different diseases, and must be regulated in accordance with the state of the disease, and the ages and numbers of the fowls. To administer pills or liquids direct to the fowl, take it 10 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. on your lap, with your left elbow resting on its back, seize its head with the left hand, and open the bill with the left hand thumb and forefinger, at the same time keeping its head up. In this position the remedies can be readi- ly dropped or poured down the throat by the right hand, taking care that the head is held up until it has swal- lowed the medicine. All medicines, to retain their strength and qualities, should be kept in a dry, cool place, free from strong odors; if in bottles, they should be corked immediately after being used, taking care to use the same corks. CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES. As this work is intended for the novice as well as the professional breeder of poultry, it will be more convenient to arrange the different diseases under the heading of the organs that are affected. They will therefore be trea- ted in the following divisions: DIVISION I. DISEASES OF THE HEAD, BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM. Fevers, Swelling of the head, Apoplexy, Vertigo, Epi lepsy, Paralysis, Canker of the mouth, comb, head or eyes, and Sore Eyes. DIVISION II. DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. Diarrhoea ChoWa, Costiveness and Constipation, THE POULTRY DOCTOR. H Dropsy, Tumors, Worms, Crop Bound, Soft or Swollen Crop and Indigestion. DIVISION III. DISEASES OF THE AIR PASSAGES. Gapes, Pip, Bronchi! is, Coryza or Catarrh of the Nose, Roup, Diphtheria <>/ Ulcerated Throat, Consumption, Debiiily and Black Rot. DIVISION IV. DISEASES OF THE EGG PASSAGES. Hernia or protrusion of the Egg Passages, Soft Shell- Eggs, Abortion. DIVISION V. DISEASES OF THE LIMBS AND FEET. Gout, Rheumatism and Cramp, Leg Weakness, Bum- ble Foot, Scaly Leg or Elephantiasis. DIVISION VI. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Bad Moulting, Bad Fledging, Chicken Pox, White Comb, Scurvy or Itch, Frosted Comb and Wattles and Vermin. DIVISION VII. FRACTURES AND BRUISES. Broken Bones and Fractures, Bruises and Contusions. DIVISION VIII. niSCELLANEOUS. Feather Eating, Wry Tail, Squirrel Tail. 12 THE POULTRY t>OCTOtt. DIVISION 1. Diseases of the Head, Brain and Nervous System. FEVERS. Causes — The principal periods that fowls are subject to fevers are during hatching, and at the commencement of the laying seasons; at these times the heat of the body is so increased that it is perceptible to the touch. Fighting frequently causes fevers which sometimes prove fatal. Symptoms — An increased circulation of the blood, ex- cessive heat of the body and restlessness. Homoeopathic Remedy— Confine the bird in a quiet place, and give No 1, or Alpha. Allopathic Remedy — Give a dessertspoonful of Magne- sium Citrate Solution, together with ten drops of Sweet Spirit of Nitre to half a pint of drinking water. SWELLING OF THE HEAD. Causes — This Malady is caused by musty food, putrid water, or a general disturbance of digestion. Symptoms — General mopishness, and swelling of the head, with fever. Homoeopathic Remedy — Same as for fevers. Allopathic Remedy — Same as for fevers. APOPLEXY, VERTIGO AND EPILEPSY. Causes— Undue flow of blood to the head, which is usually caused by overfeeding. THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 13 Symptoms — Running around in a circle, or fluttering about, with apparently but little control of the muscular actions. Homoeopathic Remedy — Holding the head under a stream of cold water for a short time will arrest the dis- ease; then place the bird in a somewhat dark place by itself, feed sparingly on soft food for a few days, and give No. 33, or Alpha. Allopathic Remedy— Bleed from the large vein under the wing; cut the vein lengthwise with a lance or sharp knife; also give an aperient or a tablespoonful of Castor Oil to a large fowl, or a teaspoonful to a small one. PARALYSIS. Causes — An affection of the spinal cord, brought about by an overstimulating diet. Symptoms — Inability to move the limbs; care must be taken not to confound this disease with leg weakness, which will be referred to hereafter. Homoeopathic Remedy — Give same as for apoplexy; it is almost a hopeless complaint to cure. Allopathic Remedy — Give an aperient same as for apoplexy. CANKERS OF THE MOUTH, COMB, HEAD OR EYES. Causes — Bad housing, uncleanliness, musty or un- wholesome food. Symptoms— The breaking out of cancerous running sores in the head, mouth, or throat, accompanied with a 14 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. watery discharge from the eyes, and a mucous secretion in the mouth and throat. Homoeopathic Remedy- Give No. 29, or Alpha follow- ed by Gamma, and use the Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm as an ointment; remove the fowl from its compan- ions, as the disease is infectious. Allopathic Remedy — Wash the head and eyes, and swab out the mouth and throat with diluted Labarra- que's solution containing one-half water, or remove the ulcers with a quill, and apply nitrate of silver, or pow- dered borax to the places left bare, to be repeated twice a day. Mix a teaspoonful of powdered sulphur in the feed. SORE EYES. Causes — Overheating, dust, dampness, or climatic changes. Symptoms An apparent watering of the eyes, which, if not attended to in time, will turn into ulcerations. Homoeopathic Remedy Wash the eyes with castile soap and water, and give No. 18. Allopathic Remedy Give sulphur in food, and wash the eyes with diluted Labar»'aque's solution. DIVISION II. Diseases of the Digestive Organs. DIARRHOEA. Causes— Exposure to damp, cold, wet weather, neglect THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 15 to clean the house or run, or too much green food, and not enough grain. Symptoms— Lassitude and emaciation, voiding of cal- careous matter of a white color streaked with yellow, which sticks to the feathers near the vent. Homoeopathic Remedy — Feed on boiled rice or warm barley meal, and give the specific No. 4, or Zeta. Allopathic Remedy— Give five drops of spirit of cam- phor on a bolus of meal, or ten drops in a pint of drinking water, or one of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Chicken Cholera Pills twice daily. Feed on soft food highly sea- soned with the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder. CHOLERA. Causes— This disease is almost as much to be dreaded as the Roup. It is of a miasmatic origiou, epidemic, but not naturally contagious; it is caused principally by over- crowding, keeping too many fowls in one place, bad sanitary management, unwholesome or irregular food or impure drinking water. Symptoms -Drooping of the wings, ruffling of the feathers, the comb and gills turn dark, sometimes nearly black, together with copious discharges from the bowels of a greenish color. The fowls refuse to eat, but drink with avidity. Homoeopathic Remedy -Give No. 6, or Zeta, besides giving the No. 6 in Pills, dissolve some of the pills in the drinking water, keep the fowls in a dry place, and feed in moderation on dry food. Allopathic Remedy-Give fresh soft food daily in mod- eration, mix with the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder in 16 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. proportion of one tablespoonful to a quart of meal. Ad- minister one of the Philadelphia Bird Food Go's Cholera Pills three times per day They seem to act as a specific for this dread disease. COSTIVENESS AND CONSTIPATION. Causes — Too long continued feeding on dry food, with- out sufficient green vegetables; want of a sufficient sup- ply of pure drinking water, or too close confinement. Symptoms - Unsuccessful attempts of the fowls to re- lieve themselves, although they make frequent efforts to do so, and when they succeed it is in small quantities and is hard and dark. Homoeopathic Remedy — Feed on bread soaked in warm milk, and give No. 10, or Kappa. Allopathic Remedy — Give plenty of green food, mix bran meal with soft food, and give ten grains of Sulphate of Magnesium to a pint of drinking water. DROPSY. Causes — A decomposition of the fluids of the whole body generally brought about by overfatnessandold age. Symptoms— Swelling of the abdomen, with ruffled plumage. Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 25 both dry and dissolved in water. Allopathic Remedy— One ounce of Cream of Tartar dis- solved in water; give a teaspoonful to a half pint of prinking water; continue for about a week. THE POULTRY DOCTOR. If TUMORS. Causes— Want of cleanliness, neglected wounds, or ex- ternal injuries. Symptoms Not necessary to describe, as they are well known when seen. Homoeopathic Remedy— Anoint the parts with the Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm, and give No. 17, or Iota. Allopathic Remedy Diet the fowl, and give one des- sertspoonful of Castor Oil for a large fowl; if not better in three or four days repeat the same, and bathe the parts with the H. H. H. Medicine. WORMS. Causes — A secretion of mucous matter caused by dis- turbed indigestion. Symptoms — Wasting away, with no apparent loss of appetite. Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 2, or Delta. Allopathic Remedy- Give ten drops of Tincture of Aloes or Spirit of Turpentine in a pint of drinking water. CROP BOUND. Causes— The most usual cause is that the fowl has swallowed something that it cannot digest, such as a piece of bone or a stone, which obstructs the natural passage, and leaves the stomach empty, and this causes hunger. Symptoms— Continued hardness of the crop, with a disinclination to eat. 18 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. Homoeopathic Remedy— Give No. 10, or Kappa; should there be no improvement, the crop has to be opened at the side by cutting a slit with a sharp knife, cleaned en- tirely out, then closed with a few stitches, taking care not to sew the skin of the bird to the sack of the crop; after sewing anoint the parts with the Associated Fan- ciers' Healing Balm. Give the fowl no water to drink for twenty-four hours. Feed it on soft food for a couple of days; it will soon recover. Allopathic Remedy— Pour warm water down the throat which, with a little kneading of the ringers, will soften the contents of the crop, then give a dessertspoonful of castor oil; if such means fail within Jbrty-eight hours, then open the crop as described above. SOFT OR SWOLLEN CROP. Causes— Fever or inflammation of the crop, which causes the fowl to constantly drink, without partaking of its proper food. Symptoms— Distention of the crop, the contents of which are of a soft fluid or soft character, sometimes principally air. Homoeopathic Remedy — Place the bird by itself, feed sparingly on cooked, soft food, allowing it to drink after each meal, but do not let water remain in the pen; also give No. 1, or 19, or Alpha. Allopathic Remedy— Slightly acidulate the drinking water with nitric acid, mix a half teaspoonful of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with each bird's food every morning; also give onions chopped up fine mixed with the food, THE POULTRY DOCTOB. 19 INDIGESTION. Causes— Overfeeding, unwholesome diet, injudicious use of seasoned food, debilitated system, &c. If neglected it will cause an enlargement of the liver to a serious extent. Symptoms— Apparent laziness, want of appetite, with scanty and unhealthy droppings. Homoeopathic Remedy— Give soft, well-cooked food twice a day, also No. 10, or Kappa. Allopathic Remedy— Finely chopped onions given daily will prove beneficial. Use the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder in the proportion of one table- spoonful to each quart of food. DIVISION III. Diseases of the Air Passages. GAPES. Causes— Foul water, exposure to wet, damp places, particularly at night, want of nourishing food, &c. Symptoms— The general symptoms, as the name im- plies, consist of constant gaping, coughing and sneezing, together with inactivity, and loss of appetite. Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the patient to a dry locality, and give No. 13, or Epsilon. Allopathic Remedy — Give the bird, daily, until it re- covers, a small piece of camphor about as large as a grain 20 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. of wheat, better still one of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Cholera Pills. Feed the Bird Food Go's Poultry Powder liberally. PIP. Causes — Exposure to damp, or wet weather. Symptoms A short, quick, spasmodic cough resemb- ling a chirp, with a stoppage of the nostrils, compelling the bird to respire through the mouth. It is not consider- ed a regular disease itself, but is a symptom only, which if not checked will result in a catarrh, and oftentimes roup. Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the patient to a dry, warm place, cleanse out the nostrils with Castile soap and water, and give No. 7, or Alpha, to be followed by Kappa. Allopathic Remedy— Wash out the mouth and nostrils with a weak solution of chlorinated soda, and mix Cay- enne pepper with the food. In order to prevent a recur- rence, add some of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder to the food for a few weeks. BRONCHITIS. Causes— The same causes that will produce pip will cause bronchitis. Symptoms Rattling in the throat when breathing, caused by cold settling on the lungs of the fowl, and the formation of mucus therefrom rising in the windpipe. If not checked, it is likely to result in consumption. Homoeopathic Remedy— Remove to a dry place, and give No. 1, or Alpha. THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 21 Allopathic Remedy— Mix Cayenne pepper or Ginger with the food, and slightly acidulate the drinking water with sulphuric and nitric acid. It is also of great advan- tage to mix the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with the daily food. CORYZA OR CATARRH OF THE HEAD. Causes— Remaining exposed in damp or wet weather, or sudden changes in the weather. Symptoms— Frequent sneezing, watering of the eyes, with a thin, slimy discharge from the nose; if not imme- diately attended to it will invariably run into roup. Homoeopathic Remedy — As in other cases of colds, remove the fowl to a dry, warm place, wash out the nos- trils and eyes with Castile soap and water, and give No. 19, or Gamma. Allopathic Remedy— Feed on soft, warm food, well seasoned with Cayenne pepper, and put a little Tincture of Aconite in the drinking water, say about three or four drops to a half pint of water. The cure will be consider ably hastened if a tablespoonful of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder is added to each quart of soft food. ROUP. Causes — This is considered one of the most dreaded and contagious diseases of poultry. It is caused principally by a neglect or want of attention to minor diseases of the air passages produced by colds: if the breeder will attend to the above in time, he will not only save himself a great deal of unpleasant doctoring, but the lives of many birds, 22 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. Symptoms— The same as in almost all other diseases produced by exposure to cold, wet and damp atmos- pheres, only it is of a more aggravated form. The dis- charge from the nose and eyes becomes thick, opaque and very offensive, the nostrils become filled up and closed by the discharge, the eye-lids become swollen and stuck together, and often the eye-ball is quite concealed. In severe cases the whole face is considerably swelled by the diseased secretion, and the poor bird being unable to see to feed itself, rapidly wastes away. The disease is highly contagious, it being communicated by the effluvia arising from the discharges, as well as by the contaminating of the drinking water by the sick bird's beak while drink- ing. Diseased birds, as soon as noticed, should be imme- diately removed from their healthy companions. Homoeopathic Remedy— The first thing towards a cure is to place the diseased bird in warm, dry quarters, give soft food, bathe the head with Castile soap and warm water, until the nostrils are opened and the eyes relieved; give No. 19, or Gamma. The disease soon runs its course. In about a week, the bird will be either almost well, or so nearly dead that it had better be killed, and deposited two feet under ground to prevent contagion. Allopathic Remedy — Remove the dry discharge from the eyes and nose, wash the same morning and evening with water and vinegar, about half and half, or with Labarraqut's solution diluted with half its bulk of water. If the discharge from the nostrils is excessive, the pure solution should be injected into the nostrils with a small syringe, either from the outside or through the slits in the^roofof the mouth. If the throat is affected, paint the same with the pure solution, using a camel's hair- THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 23 brush; give the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Roup Pills three times a day, as this is the most reliable remedy. Also mix the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder with the daily food in the proportion of a tablespoonful to a quart of meal. An onion cut up fine and mixed with the food, will be found to be very good. DIPHTHERIA, OR ULCERATED THROAT. Causes— Roosting or sleeping in a draft, or being con- fined in damp places. Symptoms — Mouth and throat filling up with a white mucus resembling a thick saliva; little white ulcers are found in the mouth involving the throat and tongue; it is contagious, and unless taken in time it will generally prove fatal. Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the fowl from its healthy companions to a dry place free from draft or dampness; feed on soft food only; give No. 34, or Alpha, after which open the bill and powder the mouth and throat with a mixture of pulverized borax and chlorate of potassium or pow^dered burnt alum. Allopathic Remedy — The same remedy as given for canker, with the exception of the washing of the head and eyes. CONSUMPTION. Causes — It often arises in breeding in and in for too long a period, but most generally it is caused by a neg- lected cold, or being confined in dark, unhealthy places, which cause scrofulous tubercles on the lungs, liver, and other organs of the body. 24 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. Symptoms— The symptoms are hardly observable in the early stages of the disease. In the more advanced state, there is a cough and wasting away of flesh, and, consequently, indications of weakness, notwithstanding they are well fed. It is considered hereditary, and birds so affected should not be bred from. Homoeopathic Remedy - Give the bird good care; house it well; give soft, stimulating food containing barley meal, together with No. 7, or Epsilon. Allopathic Remedy— This disease can be prevented, with care, when it is suspected to have commenced; give cod liver oil, a teaspoonful once or twice a day, also mix a teaspoonful of chemical food syrup with the soft food. In advanced stages it is incurable. DEBILITY. Causes — Overshowing at exhibitions, close confinement without fresh air, or it may be produced by a severe shock. Symptoms — Drooping without apparent cause, want of appetite, out of condition, and general prostration. Homoeopathic Remedy— Feed on good, wholesome food a little at a time, give a raw egg daily until the appetite appears to return, when change to a little cooked meat, also give No. 7, alternate with No. 10, or Kappa. Allopathic Remedy — Mix a teaspoonful of chemical food syrup in the fowl's food daily, and put ten drops of tincture of chloride of iron in the drinking water. The daily administration of the Bird Food Co's Poultry Pow- der is also of the highest advantage, THE POLTLTKY DOCTOR, 25 BLACK ROT, Causes — This disease is generally caused by want of exercise, continued sameness of food, indigestion, and want of green food. Symptoms-Comb turning black, swelling of the feet and legs, accompanied by gradual emaciation. Homoeopathic Remedy - Give warm, nourishing food, and No. 10, or Gamma; raw eggs may also be given every other day. Allopathic Remedy — The same treatment as that pre- scribed for indigestion will generally prove effective. DIVISION IV. Diseases of the Egg Organs. HERNIA, OR PROTRUSION OF THE EGG PASSAGES. Causes— It is caused by the exertions of the hen to expel an unusually large egg, or in old fowls the general relaxation of the system. Symptoms -Protrusion of the laying gut of the hen, which is forced out to such an extent after laying, that it oftentimes does not recede. Homoeopathic Remedy— Put the hen on a diet of rice and boiled potatoes, give No. 24, and 35, or Iota, alter- nately. If the gut shows no indication of receding itself, 26 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. bathe the parts with lukewarm water, and after rubbing the protrusion with the Associated Fanciers' Healing Balm, linseed, or sweet oil, gently press it back into the body. Allopathic Remedy— Put the bird on a diet of non-egg producing food such as boiled rice and potatoes, gi\e daily, a pill composed of one grain of calomel, one- quarter of a grain of tartar emetic, and one half grain of opium; the above is for a large fmyl, one-half a pill will be sufficient for a small bird. SOFTSHEL, ^GGS. Causes— Overfeeding, and the want of the proper ma- terial for the hens to eat so as to form the shell. Symptoms— More or less inflammation of the egg passage, and the appearance of the egg itself. Homoeopathic Remedy— Give No 1, or Kappa: restrain from overfeeding, and place within reach of the hens plenty of old mortar, or pounded up burnt oyster shells. Allopathic Remedy — Where it arises from the inflam- mation of the egg passage, give a bolus of barley meal containing one grain of calomel, and a quarter grain of tartar emetic. As the Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder contains the shell-producing elements, it is of very great advantage to feed a liberal allowance of this powder daily. ABORTION. Causes — Fright from chasing by a person, dog, or other fowls THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 27 Symptoms— Dropping suddenly of a soft-shell or per- fect egg, and afterwards moping about as if not well. Homoeopathic Remedy.— Place the hen by herself in a pen with a nest, give soft food with ground oyster shells until she lays all right; also give Eta. Allopathic Remedy -Put a little sodium bicarbonate in the drinking water, about five drops to a half pint of water. Improve the general condition by the daily use of the Philadelphia Bird Food Go's Poultry Powder for a few weeks. DIVISION V. Diseases of the Limbs and Feet. GOUT, RHEUMATISM AND CRAMP. Causes— Exposure to cold or wet, roosting in damp, cold houses or places. Symptoms— These diseases arising from the same causes require the same treatment, though they are of a different nature; they consist of a disinclination and inability to use the limbs or feet, which oftentimes become swollen and feverish, or grow stiff and powerless, thereby com- pelling the bird to sit about, and prevent it from roosting on perches. Homoeopathic Remedy— Remove the bird to a comfort- able, dry place, give plenty of nourishing food and rub the limbs and feet with the Associated Fanciers' Healing -28 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. Balm, butter or lard, also give No. 15, or Beta, Allopathic Remedy— Mix Cayenne pepper with the food, feed a little cooked meat, and give twice a day a pill containing half a grain powdered eolchicum root, also rub the limbs and joints with Tomlinson's H.fT.H. Med- icine, which is generally regarded as the most efficacious external remedy for rheumatism in man or animals. LEG WEAKNESS. Causes— This complaint should not be confounded with the previous one; it often arises from the breeding of the same strain of fowls in and in for too long a period, but it is usually caused by too high feeding, which increases the weight of the body out of proportion to the muscular strength of the limbs; it more generally occurs in the large breedssuch as tiie Cochins, and Brahmas, particu- larly in the Cockerels. Symptoms — Squatting around on their hocks, after standing for a short time, as if tired: in bad cases they are unable to stand on their feet at all. Homoeopathic Remedy — Give No. 24, or Kappa with a due supply of nutritious food, such as wheat or barley, with a daily feed of worms or raw meat chopped fine; when the weather is not too cold, dip the legs in cold water for a few minutes. Allopathic Remedy— In the early stage give chemical food syrup, say a teaspoonful diluted with half water. Should that not prove beneficial, give the following pill twice or three times a day: one grain of sulphate of iron, five grains of phosphate of lime, and half a grain of qui- THE POULTRY DOCTOR. 29 nine. The daily use of the Philadelphia Bird Food Co's Poultry Powder is also highly recommended. BUMBLE FOOT. Causes— This is caused by the birds roosting on a small uneven perch, or in flying down from a high one upon a hard surface, thereby bruising their feet; it occurs mostly with the heavier varieties of fowls. Symptoms— It commences with a small swelling or corn in the ball of the foot, which enlarges, becomes soft, and finally ulcerated. Homoeopathic Remedy — Remove the bird to a place without perches; give No. 23, or Kappa. If it becomes ulcerated, first wash out the sore with Castile soap and warm water, then dip the foot in a solution of one-fourth ounce sulphate of copper to a quart of water; this may be repeated two or three times a day. Allopathic Remedy— If taken in time a cure may be affected by painting the part with iodine. When the tumor is soft or in the form of an abscess, puncture it With a knife and press out the matter, after which cauterize the part with nitrate of silver. SCALY LEGS OR ELEPHANTIASIS. Causes— Too close confinement or being kept in damp, muddy runs, overfeeding, insufficient meat or green food, ^he disease is said to be infectious. Symptoms -The appearance of a whitish scurf which __t free from them at the start. Many persons remove the chicks from the hen as soon as they hatch and place them in a warm place until her task is completed, when they are all restored; the object is to prevent the chicks from interfering with the other eggs while hatching, and also to keep the hen from tramping on them, should she in any way become excitable. It is always advisable to set two hens at the same time, so that in case the hatch does not turn out well numer- 42 THE POULTRY DOCTOR. well fed, good healthy hens will bear setting three times in succession, although only twice is safer. Setting hens should have a separate place provided for them so as to be free from the interference of the laying ones. If they are confined to a pen or a run, it is essentially necessary that they have a dust bath within their reach, and at the same time have plenty of food and water handy and ready for them at all times. Hens generally regulate their time for recess, or staying off their eggs, but should they extend it beyond reason, say half an hour, they should be gently driven back, although instances are known where the eggs have hatched when they have been six to ten hours deserted. It is always well to keep a good watch over your set- ters as all kinds of mishaps are likely to occur, for in- stance, a hen may mash a thin shell egg, or in getting on or off the nest she may crack or break one, in which case the others are apt to become badly smeared, which will prevent them from hatching; should such a mishap oc- cur take the sound eggs out, wipe them off clean, using a cloth dampened in warm water, make a new nest, place the rest of the eggs back and try it over again. Artificial incubation is gradually making its way among breeders of poultry, it certainly has proved itself practicable, and has its advantages for those who breed on a large scale. I do not propose to give you the history of the same, but would recommend those of my readers who are interested, to apply to some of the inventors and manufacturers of the machines, of whom there are a great many in the United States. THE POULTRY DOCTOR, 43 REARING AND FATTENING CHICKS. For twenty-four hours after a chick is hatched, it re- quires no food at all. The best mixture for the first two or three meals, is an equal part of the yolk of a hard- boiled egg and stale bread crumbs, moistened with a little warm milk. After the chicks appear to be strong enough to properly support themselves, remove the hen from the nest and place her out in a coop where the chicks can get the full benefit of the sun. The best place to set a coop is under a shed or a thick foliaged tree, so that it can be protected as much as possible from rain and windstorms; if possible, it should be convenient to a location where the chicks can obtain plenty of grass, as it is a great pro- ducer of health, growth and vigor After the first two or three days give meals of bread and egg. The best food to give is coarsely ground oatmeal and bran, or Indian meals and bran, just enough moistened with hot water to make it crumbly. We have always found it more to the advantage of chicks as soon as they are able, say in a couple of weeks time to feed them entirely on dry food, such as cracked corn or bruised wheat, especially for the last meal at night. Chicks should be fed four or five times a day until they are about a month old, after which it can be reduced to three times a day. Chicks should be encouraged to roost as early in life as possible; the sooner they do so, the more rapidly they commence to develop. It is very essential to their growth to keep them perfectly free from lice from the time they are taken from their nest with the hen, as nothing under heaven will do more to stunt their growth than filth and lice. m THE POULTRY DOCTOR. The coop containing the hen should be moved every Ifew days, and either set in a fresh place or the manure ^kould be removed therefrom. Always keep plenty of ftesh clean water within reach for the birds to drink. J&ever give more food at a meal than the chicks can eat, #>rif it lays around, it is apt to get sour and indigestible. A little raw beef's liver chopped up fine and fed twice a week will help the growth and strength of your young •thicks. Where the chicks cannot get all the grass they want, green food should be furnished to them daily, as it is really more essential to growing chicks than to fowls. "When chickens are four months old, they should be ferge enough for the table. Before killing, they should be penned up for about two or three weeks to fatten, which should be done in the following manner: Place fgiena in a coop in a dry quarter, feed them at least three times a day from the outside of the coop, after which darken the coop up by throwing a cloth or cover over it B» as to prevent the chickens from worrying themselves m trying to get out. The best food for fattening consists ®fa mixture of buckwheat and Indian meals or Indian aind barley meals, moistened with sweet milk. A little green food should be given daily so as to keep their Ife&wels in order. Always keep their coops clean and give item plenty of fresh, clean water. KILLING AND DRESSING POULTRY. There are various modes of killing chickens, but about a& g©@d a way as any, and one that will not disfigure £^®m, is to hang them up by their feet, then take a sharp ^Jfeng blade of a penknife, and stick them through the THK POULTRY DOfTOIt, 45 back part of the roof of the mouth, running it up into the brain; death will occur almost insiantly. They should be picked while yet warm, to make them look plump and nice, dip them for a second or two into boiling water after they are picked. They should never be drawn until they are wanted to cook, as they will keep longer and better without. FANCIERS' HAND BOOKS PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS. The Phila. Bird Food Go's Practical Book on Cage Birds. Containing over 150 engravings and a lithographic plate showing all the different kinds of Fancy Canaries in their natural colors, full information in regard to song and fancy Canaries and how to breed them for profit. Hints on the treatment and breeding of all kinds of cage birds, w:'th description of their diseases and the 4 remedies needed to cure them. All about parrots and how to teach them to talk. Instructions for building and stocking an aviary. Mailed to any address for 15c. Associated Fanciers' Practical Hand Book on Poultry. Containing 120 pages, a beautiful lithographic plate of a group of different fowls in natural colors, engrav- ings of all kinds of land and water poultry, descriptions of the breeds, plans for poultry houses, how to manage an incubator, all about caponizing, and the value of different breeds. Will be mailed to any address on receipt of 15 cents. The Toy Dog. Treating of his origin and the many different varieties. How to select, breed and manage them. Their diseases, and symptoms, with remedies for the same by homoeo- pathic and allopathic treatments. By the late John E. Diehl. Mailed on receipt of 25 cents. The Associated Fanciers' Book of the Dog. Contains a finely executed colored frontispiece, well drawn engravings of nearly all breeds of dogs, and all kinds of dog furnishing goods. It is worth a great deal more than the price asked for it — 15 cents All those who are interested in dogs should send for it. The Poultry Doctor. A valuable little book for the Fancier and Breeder of Poultry. Showing how to rear and keep Poultry, giving symptoms of their different ailments with treatment by allopathic and homoeopathic remedies. By the late John E. Diehl, American Poultry Association Judge. Mailed on receipt of 25 cents. The Domestic Cat. Its different breeds and varieties, how to keep and rear them. Its diseases, with symptoms and remedies. This book is invaluable to the owners of cats. Written by the late John E. Diehl. Mailed on receipt of 25 cents in Stamps or Post Office money order. A complete set of the above six books will be mailed on receipt of $1.00. Bemit for all the above books to THE ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, No. 400 North Third Street, i, PHILADELPHIA, PA. INDEX. ABORTION 26 ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT 9 APOPLEXY, 12 BRONCHITIS, 20 BLACK ROT, 25- BUMBLE FOOT, ........ 29 BAD MOULTING, 30 BAD FLEDGING, ....... 31 BROKEN BONES 33 CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES, 10 CANKERS OF THE MOUTH, COMB, HEAD OR EYES, . 13 CHOLERA, 15 COSTIVENESS AND CONSTIPATION, .... 16 CROP BOUND, 17 CORYZA, OR CATARRH OF THE NOSE, ... 21 CONSUMPTION, 23 CRAMP, . - . 27 CHICKEN POX, . 31 DIET 8 DIARRHOEA, . 14 DROPSY, 16 DIPHTHERIA, . 23 DEBILITY 24 DRESSING POULTRY, . 44 EPILEPSY . . . 12 ELEPHANTIASIS 29 FEVERS, . . . . .... 12 FROSTED COMB, . . . . ... 32 FRACTURES AND BRUISES, . . . . . 33 FEATHER EATING, ...... 3§ THE POULTRY DOCTOR. FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT, . . . . „ m FATTENING, M GAPES, . m GOUT, ......... m HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT, . . . , M HERNIA, :M HOUSES FOR POULTRY, ....... & INDIGESTION, If ITCH, ......... m. INCUBATION, ......„, -m KEEPING POULTRY m KILLING AND DRESSING POULTRY, M LEG WEAKNESS -^, 3» MOULTING, m MANAGEMENT, ........ 39 NURSING, « PARALYSIS ........ II PIP, 3D PROTRUSION OF THE EGG PASSAGE, ..... :2S ROUP, - m. RHEUMATISM, - *g REARING POULTRY, - W. REARING CHICKS, - « SWELLING OF THE HEAD, - u£ SORE EYES, - 14 SOFT OR SWOLLEN CROP, ..... n SOFT SHELL EGGS, - - ..... ^ SCALY LEGS, t» SCURVY, §8 SQUIRREL TAIL, 3§ SELECTION OF STOCK, ...... M TUMORS, If ULCERATED THROAT, im VERTIGO, it VERMIN, U WORMS, ......... i? WHITE COMB, 3t WRY TAIL, 3§ YARD FOR POULTRY, m LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1