The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1912-01-04
COLDS AND ROuP IN FOWLS
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN
TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
BY II. L. kempster, Assistant Profess
sor Of Poultry Husbandry,
University of Missouri.

|
At that period of the year whe
winter is attempting to set in and ais
when similar condition exists II
early spring, there occur man,
changes in the weather within yer,
short time. Probably the Doultr,
raiser has no more difficult problem
of the year to encounter, especially ii
the handling of mature stock, thar
that of handling the flock SO as tt
avoid the sickness resulting from
these unsteady and unfavorable con
ditions. 1t is under these conditions
that the birds are likely to develop
colds which often result in quite Sc
rious losses.
Every chicken has u certain disease
resisting power. 1t is only the weak
er, more susceptible individual tina,
contracts these troubles. A strong
healthy chick can be subjected To con-
| siderable exposure without any appar
ent evil results; but even the strong
will succumb if conditions continue to
remain unfavorable. The first rule
then, in combating any disease is to
keep the most healthy stock possible,
Having observed this precaution, eth.
er factors must be considered in the
treatment of colds.
Colds are manifest by quick shak-
Ing of the head as if subject TO some
irritation, an occasional scratching IT
the eye with the foot, and rubbing
of the head on the wing or lower
neck. Close examination will show a
slight watering of the eyes and nos
trils. Later developments are evident
| by cheesy deposit in the eyes, a
thickening of the mucous in the nos
trils, and ruffled appearance which
the plumage takes on. Still later
stages will show the eyes completely
swollen shut, considerable watering
and also slight odor arising from
the decay of the mucous collecting in
the nostrils. Many call this roup
when it may be only pronounced adj
vanced stages of severe cold.
Colds are caused by quick tempera-
conditions. poorly ventilated quarters.
and sometimes due to crowdiny and
draft. When manifest in the lock,
the first step is to remove Is possible
the cause of the trouble. Generally
this will result in speedy recovery OF
the whole flock. However. it is we'll
to give general treatment by means
of the drinking water. Keep satu-
rated solution IA solution which will
not hold any more of the crystals,
leaving some in the bottom) Of potas-
SUM parmanganate. Put tablespoon
full of this solution in every gallon of
drinking water.
For individual cases battle the eyes
and nostrils with any of the follow
ing: Saturated permanganate solu-
ton; hydrogen peroxide; or solu-
ton made of per cent boracic acid,
SO per cent water. 10 per cent glyce-
rine, and SO per cent alcohol. If the
affected bird is treated before the cold
develops to any extent, one or two
treatments will suffice, but sometimes
treatment twice daily must continue
for several days.
Roup is closely associated with
colds. This is because Of the extreme
similarity between the early stages OF
the two diseases. Roup bears the
same relation to chickens tina, diph-
liberia does to human beings. Colds
are due to faulty environment, which
can be more or less controlled. Roup,
however is a contagious disease and
must be treated accordingly. There
is no relation existing between the
roup and colds, and there is no dan
ger of a cold developing into roup ex-
cept as the bird is rendered more sus-
ceptible to the attack of any disease.
The roup germ is the cause of roup.
The early stages of the two being
similar, it is we'll to watch the disease
and treat it accordingly should it
prove to be roup.
Roup is often accompanied by a
very offensive odor. 1t is very sick
ening, and when once observed there
Is 10 mistaking it for the slight odor
arising from the decay of mucous i'll
the nostrils in the case of colds. This
is a Distinguishing feature. In addi-
ton the mouth becomes covered with
patches of white false membrane
which when removed leaves a slight
bleeding surface. Also this occurs in
the nostrils and eyes, and especially |
in the corners of the mouth. Pip. |
canker, and even sorehead are said to
be roup in some form.
The treatment consists in precau-
tions when introducing new stock or
stock from shows, fairs, etc |
The drinking water should be treated |
rs for colds. Affected birds should be |
from the stock, and, il not |
should be disposed of. Indi
vldual treatment consists in bathing |
the head as in the case of colds. A
2 per cent solution Of creolin or car
bolic acid will also be found helpful.
Too much emphasis can not be put
upon the desirability OF disposing of
the stock affected and close observa-
ton of the remaining birds for any