Connecticut western news., 1881-07-27
Causes of ROup in Fowls.

ln the treatment Of fOWlS one disease | must not be t4ken for another. For in- stance, the name of 'tchicken cholera is applied quite frequently to many ail- ments that are simple, or merely disar- engagements of the internal organs that may be easily remedied by change of diet or place. Roup is the worst affiic- ton of the poultry-yard. It may be pronounced the root of all disease. It proceeds from the simplest causes, as sudden cold contracted from a current of air or undue exposure. At one time the writer sold a cock for breeding pur- poses, in April. He was fine bird and had been kept under cover with south e1n glass exposure, and was not accus- toned to the outside atmosphere. The consequence was sudden cold, proceed ing from the change and neglect re- ceived. A few days later note was received from the customer conveying the information of the fowls illness, further remarking that he was unfit for use, as he was diseased All animals suffer greatly from change of home, not only from the difference of treatment and feed, as we'll as quarters, but also from home-sickness. Fowls suffer from the same cause. But this was case of downright cruelty. The fowl had not been hardened.
 When shipping fowls, or selling them, without having seen the purchaser, every particular concerning the treat ment of the birds should previously be forwarded, so that accidents and sick ness may be avoided. This is only just and honorable, more especially in the spring of the year, before the fowls are accustomed to the outside atmosphere. When purchasers see the fowls this is unnecessary, as they are able to take ! notes when visiting the premises, and act 1 accordingly. No censure, when such is the case, can be attached to the seller in case of failure in the purchaser. Fowls also suffer greatly from transportation. The fatigue of the journey, unnatural position, and irregularity of feeding largely serve to disturb the equilibrium, and they fall ready prey to colds, which, If neglected, run into roup, which in the advanced stage is incurable. It assumes many forms, and IS oftentimes, no doubt, termed cholera. It should be avoided as the worst distemper that afflcts our domestic birds. It may be advancing by slow stages and unob- served, until the victim Is much reduced. At other times it puts on 8 more acute, but not so dangerous, appearance. On the arrival of fowls from long distances, care should be exercised in the first feed- ing. It is naturally supposed that the fowls are fatigued and hungry, and will greedily d5vour what is set before them. They should have soft, scalded, easily digested food, and be placed at once in warm, comfortable quarters. If this precaution was always taken there would be less cause for complaint and less cen sure of the seller. Bad food will also produce what is termed chicken chol- era.
 The poultry business is 8 great and still increasing one. A country place is not stocked without them, and to keep them in health and profit is no small undertaking. It will not do to allow them to shift for themselves altogether. The garden and fruit, as well as flower beds, will suffer, hence they must be controlled in their movements. Constant close confinement will not answer. Still fowls will thrive and be profitable if confined during the larger half of the day, but they must be supplied with all the requirments of nature, and fresh, clean water must be given. Fowls often
 get run down, and require change of
 food, especially laying hens, which are large consumers. Giving the best care
 daily will keep them from eating feath' CTS, and promote health and activity. , If the weather be cold, little pepper may be given, but do not give too much to hens that are laying eggs for hatch , ing. In that case they are apt to be unfertilized. Before doctoring ailine l fowls be certain of the difficulty, a.
 much damage is done by administering
 doses for 8 disease that may not exist 8
 the time.-C. B. i1e Country Gentle
 man.