POULTRY NOTES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 122, 16 February 1935, Page 24

POULTRY NOTES

Diseases and How to Treat Them.

A SUMMARY FOR NOVICES

(By

New Laid.)

Every practical poultry-farmer has learned a good deal about most of the diseases to which fowls are subject, and experience has taught him that it is much sounder business to prevent diseases than to be an expert in treating them. M line every effort should be directed towards preventing any disease breaking out on the plant, there are a number of commou diseases which all poultry-keepe'-W should be able to distinguish and treat. In recent issues we have dealt with internal and external parasites, worms, crop-binding, bumblefoot and scaly-leg, and following are some other common troubles with brief directions as to treating them The Respiratory System.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia.—-The cause of these complaints is inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by draughts, dampness, catarrh and inhaling dust. The symptoms are rapid breathing, and, a peculiar sound made in breathing. The bird extends its neck and gasps for breath, sometimes making a whistling noise, and frequently coughing to relieve itself of accumulated mucous, As the disease progresses the bird’s activity decreases, the wings droop, and it refuses to eat.

•Treatment. —Remove the bird to a warm, comfortable bouse, free from draughts. Give it three to six drops of ipecacuanha wine or three to. six drops of tincture of aconite three times daily. Feed only wet mash, with fonts per cent, codliver oil frequently. Nasal Roup or Contagious Catarrh.— Bad housing conditions .or neglected catarrh and colds cause this trouble. The symptoms are running nostrils and eyes, swollen head-and inflammation about the eyes; difficult breathing with the mouth held open—-nostrils stopped up with mucous. An obnoxious odour goes with this disease.

Treatment.—-Every precaution must be taken to stop the, spread of the disease by removal of litter,, cleaning the house and disinfecting. Remove infected birds to a warm house without draughts. Use one to two per. cent, of permanganate of potash as follows‘Press the nostrils together between the thumb and forefinger in the direction Of the beak, two or three times. Pressure should be applied between nostrils and eyes in an upward direction to loosen the discharge. Then plunge the bird’s head into the solution of potash for 20 or 30 seconds, or as long as the bird can stand it. Continue this treatment twice a day. If any solid matter is in the eyelids the tumour should be opened so that the skin may bleed freely. ' The cheesy matter should be removed and the surrounding membrane touched with five per cent, carbolic aeid, the cavity being then plugged with cotton wool to prevent early healing. If the bird does not respond to treatment in a few days, it should be killed and the body burnt. Diphtheric Roup.—This also is caused by bad housing conditions and neglected colds. False membranes of a greyish or yellowish colour form on the mucous surface' of the nostril, eyes, mouth, throat, and trachea. These are tough and adhere very firmly to the tissue. Treatment. —As the disease is very difficult to eradicate, unless birds arc valuable, they are better destroyed. Local treatment consists of disinfecting the diseased parts by painting with tincture of iodine after removing the false membrane. This, of course, only applies to the external masses. In treating for the internal lesions of mouth and throat, the same permanganate of potash treatment as for nasal roup may be used. In all cases of roup, preventive measures must be adopted as soon as the first ease is noticed. The Nervous System. Heat Prostration. —In hot weather a bird suffering from heat-prostration will suddenly drop insensible or become paralysed as the result of pressure on the brain, due to heat. As death usually occurs, the obvious course is to take preventive measures for the protection of the remainder of the \flock. Any semblance of over-crowding should be avoided, and artificial shade should be provided as protection from the sun.

Congestion of the Brain.—Staggering, stupor, walking backwards or in a circle, irregular movements with wings and feet, and. twisting of the head backwards or from side to-side are symptoms of this trouble. The bird will sometimes fajl on jts side and make movements as though attempting to fly. Treatment consists of applying cold water to the head and giving one-quarter teaspoonful of salts in a small quantty of water. If intestinal worms are found In the droppings, treat for the removal of these.

Oviduct and Abdominal. Eggibinding is caused by the inability of a hen to deliver an egg which has lodged in the oviduct owing to being abnormally large or broken, or inflammation of the oviduct. To meet this trouble a little sweet oil shoukTbe smeared inside the vent. Should the bird not be able to lay the egg within two hours smear the index finger with 2 per cent, carbolised vaseline and insect Into vent to locate the egg. If very large the egg may have to be broken to remove it, but care must be taken that the whole of the egg is removed. Give the hen a teaspoonful of castor oil and keep her quiet, feeding on a low diet of bread and milk for a few days. Dropsy.—An accumulation of straw coloured fluid in the abdomen indicates dropsy. The extended abdomen without feathers feels to the hand like a hot water bottle partly filled. There is no known cure. If. the fluid is tapped it will soon accumulate again. Prolapsus and Torn Oviduct.—The cause of this condition is constipation or it may be the result of highly forcing or stimulating feed. Sometimes it is due to heavy laying. It can be recognised by portion' of the oviduct protruding from the vent. The part surrounding the vent should be washed with warm water to which a mild antiseptic has been added After washing the hands smear the protruding part with 2 per cent, carbolised vaseline and gently reinsert. Give a teaspoonful of olive oil, keep the bird quiet, and feed on bread and milk for two week?. If the oviduct is torn the hen should be killed.

Vent Gleet.- —-Many poultrymen refuse to treat this disease, simply killing affected birds as soon as the’ trouble is recognised. It consists of an ulcerated condition of the cloaca or vent, and infection is transferred by one bird to another. The ulcers give off an offensive odour and laying ceases. If treatment is essayed, wash the affected part and dus’ with idiofonn—isolate the bird, and feed only grain. Do uot handle the bird with scratched hands, and wash hands iii disinfectant after treating.

Constitutional Anaemia. —This may arise from lack of vitamins, close confinement, insufficient oxygen, overcrowding, incorrect feeding and lack of sunlight. The symptoms are a pale comb and wattle and a generally unthrifty appearance. Regular supplies of succulent green feed should be given, also 2 per cent, ccd-liver oil. and the birds should be allowed plenty of sunshine. A tonic such as syrup of phosnhate may be given. Leg Weakness in Chickens.—To counter this trouble add 2 per cent, cod-liver oil to the mash and allow sunshine on the chickens. Constipation.—-This is duo to lack id exercise, shortage of green-feed and unbalanced rations. A godd laxative should be given and the birds should be fed on wet mash for a few days. Defects in Eggs. "' Taint or bad flavour and odour in eggs is generally associated with the use of unsuitable packing material, or contact of the eggs with materials possessing

strong odours, says E. T. Hainan, writing ,in the Notts County EducUtionul Societies' Poultry Handbook. Fishy taint in eggs is due to a similar cause, since inclusion of as high a content of fish-meal as 15 per cent, in the ration does uot lead to taint if care in handling and collection is observed.

Meat spots are due to inclusion of portions of the egg follicle or capsule which break off from the ovary, and blood spots and blood eggs are caused, by rupture of capillaries of the follicle or upper membranous portion of the oviduct. Pale or badly coloured yolks are shown to be due to feeding. Watery whites are shown to be of two types; the first type, characterised by irregular or a trembling air space is shown to be due to bad transport Conditions and can be reproduced at will in any egg by shaking. The second type, characterised by running air cells, is associated with rupture of the egg membranes and appears to be an inherent fault of the egg itself. EGG-LAYING CONTESTS Massey. College Results Following are the 46th week’s results iu the egg-laying contest conducted at Massey College :— SINGLE PENS. Section A.—Mr. J. A. Annan, W.L. (4) 193. C. H. Barker, W.L., No. 1 (—) laid; W.L., No. 2 (2) 127. W. 11. Barker, W.L., No. 1 (0) 97; W.L., No. 2 (—) Had; W.L., No. .3 (6) 203. Mrs. 11. It. Cannon, W.L. (6) 264 x. Emery Bros.. W.L. (3) 107. E. M. Galvin, W.L., No. 1 (—) 88d; W.L., No. 2 (0) 147; W.L., No. 3 (—) 58d. H. Hutchinson, W.L. (5) 197. C. W. L. King, W.L. (6) 196. A. G. Mumby, W.L., No, 1 (5) 225; W.L., No. 2 (3) 200; W,L., No. 3 (—) 18d; W.L., No. 4 (6) 240. H. Moreland, W.L. (2) 168. W. J. McAloon, W.L. (5) 157. A. J. Shailer. W.L. (5) 193. H. Williams, W.L., No. 1 (5) 202 x; W.L., No. 2 (a) 103 x. Whenuapai, P. Fl, W.L. (4) 232. Mrs. E. Youngson, Bk. L., No. 1 (—) 90d; Bk. L., No. 2 (5) 191. D. Kruse, Anc„ N°- 1 (D 119; Ane., No. 2 (0) 144. F. Lang. Anc„ No;’ 1 (5) 176; Ane.. No. 2 (6) 179. J, Smith. Anc., No. 1 (5) 201; Ane., No. 2 (5) 212. H. Williams. W.L., No. 3 (6) 213. A. Strawbridge. W.L. (5) 210. A. R. Watson, Br. L. (4) 186. Section B.—Miss 15.. T. Somer. R.I.R, (0) 126. K. Mouldey, R.I.R. (5) 141. W. ALarsen, 8.0., No. 3 (5) 169. T. Dowthwaite, WAV., No. 3 (6) 186. W. A. Larsen. 8.0., No. 1.(2) 200 x; 8.0., NO. 2 (5) 226. Mrs, Waddell, 8.0. (5) 194 x. T. Dowthwaite, W.W., No. 1 (2) 96; W.W., No. 2 (1) 173. TEAM RESULTS.

Taranaki Society Following is the official report for the 46th week, ended February 13, of the Taranaki Egg-Laying Competition Society's seventh competition:— White Leghorns.—E. Clare, No. 1. 0—138; No. 2, 3—lS7; No. 3. 4—263; G. L. Gaylarn, No. 1, 4—2J2; No. 2, 6—217; No. 3, 2—209; Mrs. R. R. Cannoni No. 1. G—239; No. 2, 6—269; No. 3, a—233; H. Moreland, No. 1, 4— No. 2, 2—252; No. 3, 4—108; D, MPeek, No. 1. 6-270; No. 2, 4—169; No. 3, 3—167; No. 1. 2—155; No. 2, 4—190; No. 3. 2—188; Burbank Poultry Farm, No. 1. 4—■ 205; No. 2. 5—260; No. 3. O-r-152; A. Moreland, 4—210; Miss E. Ladd, No. 1, 4—451: Sliss E. Ladd, No. 2, 5-256; J. A. Wills, 2 —193; Hail Bros.. 4—202; S. Pope, 6—253; P. Freeman, o—l9B. Mlnorcas.—J. T. Brice, 4—167; Miss D. Swadling, No. 1, S—ISS; No. 2, 0—158; NO. 3, 3—121. Brown Leghorns.—Mrs. W. Busby, 2— 179: Hall Bros., 4—176. Black Orpingtons.—Mrs. F, A. Warren, No. 1. 3—l6a; No. 2, 0—59; No. 3, 0—202; Mrs. D. M. Waddell. No. 1, 0—126; No. 2, 0—214; No. 3, 5—230; Thos. Dowthwaite, No. 1, 5—167; No. 2, 0—143; No. 3, 5-218; W. A. Larsen, No. 1. 5—219; No. 2, 5—199; No. 3. *—ls7; Mrs. S. Pattersou. No. 1, !>., 0—196; No. 2, 4—l4S: No. 3, 0—143; .1. Gregg. 3—170; Mrs. V. Hall. 4—196: E. J. Poswlllo. 6—208; Miss D. Swadling 3—112; H. W. Smith, 1-243. White Wyandottes.—G. L. Gaylard, No. I, 4—180: No. 2, 3—158. Light Sussex. —H. Kirkwood, 0—68; G. Prestige. 3—150; 0—76. DUCKS. Fawn Indian Runners.—Stan. Beauchamp, No. 1, 6—137; No. 2, 0—160; No. 3, o—l9l. Fawn and White Runners.—L. P. .lames, No. 1. 1—94: No. 2, 1—153; No. 3. 1—195; Mrs. F.* A. Warren. No. 1, 0—155; No. 2, 5— 118; No. 3, 0—150; Thos. Dowthwaite, No. 1, 0—141; No. 2, 5—253; J.. O. Law, o—l3o. White Runners.—Mrs, D. M. Waddell, 1-406. Khaki Campbell.—Mrs. D. M. Waddel., 0—109; C. Cleaver. No. 1, 0—172: No. 2, 0—83; No. 3, 0—124.

LIGHT BREED: THREE-BIRD TEAMS. Total

Section C'.—C. W. L. King, W.L., 181, 218, 198, 175, 181, 212 (31) 1165. A. ,T. Davey. W.L., 216, 174. 205, 107, 175, 174 (25) 1141. S. D. Morris, W.L., 181, 215, 49d, 202, 220, 243 (24) 1119. M. Stephenson, W.L., 151, Lil, 240, 183, 172. 217 (35) 1107. J. Graham, W.L., 161x, 142x, 188, 169, 160x, 199 (24) 1019. Emery Bros., W.L., 72d, 201, 227, 101, 160. 214 (22) 97&. P. B. Harrison, W.L., 209, 118, 180c!, 147, 175. 141 (16) 970. Mrs. D. A. stewart. W.L., 179, 700, 203x, 118, 213x7 186x (21) 969. J. T. Hazelwood, IV. L., 191, 227, 9d, 177x, 186, 157x (16) 947. H. Polson, W.L., 165, 110, Hid, 178, 166, 203 (23) 933. Mrs. Geo. Hillman, W.L., 181, 139, 190, 194, 30, 190 (19) 924. 15, B. Wainscott, W.L.. 148, 100, 107, 157, 156, 228 (22) 896. A. Strawbridge, W.L., 156, 153. 183, 19d, 172. 198 (18) 881. IV. N. Laws, W.L., 166, 178, 128, 74. 137, 167 (17) 850. E. D. Wilkinson, W.L., 152, 113, 103, 155, 166, 159 (24) 848. H. A. Lucjis, W.L.. 163, lOld, 91, 177, 126, 177 (15) 835. J. Smith, Anc., 144, 129, 148, 26, 156, 130 (23) 733. F. Lang, Anc., 140, 153, 91x, 104. 126, 86x (26) 700. Section D.—Miss E. T. Somer. R.I.R., 235, 232, 218, 127, 223x. 167 (29) l?02. F. A. Dewhurst; R.I.R., 166, 159x, 88, 216. 221. 265 (22) 1115, W. A. Larsen, B.O., 122, 268, 91, 220x, 222. 68<J (21) 991. W. E. Jones, R.I.R., 181, 199, 35d. 184, 190, 178x (22) 973. "x” Disqualtflpd egg weight clause. “d” Bird dead.

1 Weekly to 3 Ttl. date E. Clare. W.L 0 3 4 7 526 G. L. Gaylard, W.L 4 « 2 12 008 Mrs. 11. R. Cannon, W.L. (1 (i a 17 H. Moreland, W.L 4 4 10 5(111 D. M. Peek, W.L.. No. 1 0 4 3 13 006 D. M. Peek, W.L.. No. 2 o 4 8 533 Burbank Poultry Earm . 4 5 (i 1) (117 Miss D. Swadllng, M. .. 5 0 3 8 457 HEAVY BREEDS: BLACK ORPINGTONS Mrs. F. A. Warren 3 0 8 42(1 Mrs. D. M. Waddell .... 0 0 □ .1 570 W. A. Larsen 5 5 0 10 Thos. Dowthwalte .... n 0 10 Mrs. S. Patterson 0 4 b 4 487 DUCKS. Stan. Beachamp 0 0 0 (• 48$ L. P. James 1 1 i 441 Mrs. F. A. Warren 0 5 0 ! i 423 C. Cleaver .... 0 B.» broody. B., broody; * bird dead, 0 0 0 . 373