Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1897-10-30
FIGHTING POULTRY VERMIN,
They Can Easily be Destroyed by Using
the Proper Methods.
BELLOWS FALLS,

AsAoy Nah EASILY DC destroyed Oy U61n1
the Proper Methods.
Frequently the most difficult work Of
the poultry man is that of ridding the
premises Of vermin. Most persons do
not become aware of the presence oi
vermin until the little red mites are
seen in myriads. These can easily be
destroyed by using proper methods.
The great scourge of poultry is not the
mites, but the large body-louse that
hides at the base Of the feathers, on
the head and neck. AS they are only
found there on the fowls, an examina-
tion of the quarters does not reveal
them, when they may be busily at work
on the birds. When the hens seem to
droop without apparent cause, the
chances are that a close examination
on their heads and necks will reveal
swarms of these lice. Little chicks. es-
pecially those that feather very rap
idly, such as Dorkings, Games and
Leghorns, will soon succumb to the
large lice, and often the cause will be
ascrfbed to something else.
To prevent lice on fowls, the best
thing is the dust bath, which must
consist OF fine dry clay or coal ashes.
II the quarters are kept clean, the hens
Will prevent the attacks of lice by dust
ing, but when once the lice put in an
appearance, the poultryman Is compell-
ed to take active measures, as the lice
must be fought until not a single one
remains. kerosene must not be used
on the bodies of the hens, as it will
sometimes kill them. For the large
BODY lice, first grease the heads, necks,
and vents with mixture made by
adding teaspoonful of crude petro-
leum to every gill of lard. Use it warm
so it will spread well. Then dust the
hens well with California or Persian
Insect Powder. Repeat this every third
day, and dust every portion Of the body.
but do not grease the body-only the
head, neck and vent.
10 clean the poultry house, every
crack and crevice must be reached.
The roosts and nests should be move
able, and outside. Sponge the roosts
with Kerosene, apply lighted match,
ana let the fire run over it. Empty
Inc nests, (burn the debris), and sponge
them with Kerosene, applying lighted
match, the same as with the roosts.
NOW thoroughly mix one quart of kero-
sene Oil to four quarts of strong soap
suds OF skim-milk, churn them to an
emulsion, and sprinkle it, from a wa,
tering can, over every part of the house
floor, walls, and even the roof. Sat-
arate them well, then open the doors
and allow the house to dry. Next
thoroughly dust every part of the house
with mixture of the following: Fine
Try lime, one pack; carbolate of lime.
one pound; Persian Insect Powder. one
pound. These materials should be fine
and dry, and should be blown into ey-
Try crack and crevice, and not square
men OF space be overlooked Put kero-
'ene on the roosts-every part. and
hen replace them. Put fresh earth
Ind clean chopped hay in the nest
boxes and set them in position. Dust
he nests thickly with the powder suy-
,ested, and add Quart of the powder
o the dust bath. Sautrate the yarda
With a solution of one pint carbolic
lcld TO ten gallons of water, and il
necessary spade them. Before clean
ng the house remove the droppings.
nd as they will contain mites, pour
he soap-sud mixture over them. and
pply them on the field, at a distance
rom the house. The droppings are
aluable as manure.
All this care and preparation calls
or work, but 1t is absolutely neces-
airy. And it must be repeated until
ce no longer find it comfortable. Get
ID OF them, and then keep them out.
It this season the greatest vigilance
necessary. Examine the house. as
veil as the bodies of the hens, at least
nee week, as there is no knowing
Then lice may be present.