The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-24

Though often unnoticed by unobservant poultrymen, the various kinds of poultry lice and mites infesting our domestic fowls are the source of great loss to the poultry industry Fortunately, they may be easily controlled by the adoption of very simple precautions These pests and the best methods of eradicating them are described below by Professor Stoneburn.
 By PROF. F. H. STONEBURN
 Menopon pa1lidum, I.ipeurus variables Gonidoes dissimiis, Dermanyssus galli- nae Knemdocoptes mutansl These are surely awe inspiring names for the tiny creatures which poultrymen commonly call 'the pesky lice and mites" But these pests do enough damage to justify giving them the most impressive titles.
 Fortunately, it is not necessary for the working poultryman to memorize the scientific names of. or learn to identify the various species. But he should have a keen realization of the fact that these tiny para sites may have a decidedly in- judious effect upon his fowls, and he should learn just how to keep them in check. Further, he should make persis- tent practical use of this knowledge. Otherwise. he will surely fall to secure the satisfactory returns from his flock that might otherwise be gained.
 Lice and mites will be found in various numbers most poultry plants. Where few are present they probably do little harm; but it is always well to fight them regularly, in order to prevent them from 2 multiplying to such extent as to be- come dangerous. The best plan is to act as though they were actually doing damage and make the work of extermi- nation regular part of the schedule of required duties.
 Sparrows Spread Lice
 Sometimes one hears the remark that no lice are are to be found on certain plant, since the chicks were all matched in in- cubators, reared in breeders and placed in new, clean buildings. Unfortunately they may be carried by that common visi- tor to chicken yards, the English sparrow. And when few individuals get settled in new quarters they promptly rear large families, and the plague spreads rapidly.
 When examining hens for the presence Of body lice special attention should be given to fluffy feathers, particularly near the vent. The adult lice will be readily observed if present. Also the clusters of eggs upon the feathers. These latter hatch within few days after being de- posted, the young lice being small in size, pale in color, active and troublesome.
 The common body lice of poultry do not have piercing mouths, but are able to bite. They seem to subsist upon certain DOT tions of the feathers and the skin of their host. Although they are not blood suck CTS. they cause much annoyance and dis comfort. biting the skin and inducing violent itching. Healthy, active birds are able to stand their presence, but there is no doubt that in many cases they actually hasten the death of individuals which be- come diseased.
 They are particularly troublesome to the chicks, preventing them from resting ouitely, and in many cases torturing them until death must be relief.
 These lice are frequently observed on nesting material and they probably pass from bird to bird by this route. They seem to thrive in damp, dark. filthy, poorly ventilated places. and poultry buildings in which these conditions exist are almost certain to be infested.
 Treatment to be effective should include both the birds and their living quarters. j. The houses should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and kept in sanitary coalition. Remove all nesting material and litter. Scrape the roosts and droppings boards. Then spray or paint all woodwork with which the birds come in contact. Homemade Lice Paints
 There are several liquid lice killers or lice paints which may be purchased for this purpose Or satisfactory mixtures may be compounded at home. Three parts of kerosene oil and one part crude carboic acid is staple combination.
 
 from the use of kerosene oil in which naphthalene flakes or moth balls have been dissolved. Kerosene emulsion is somewhat harder to prepare than either of the above, but it is pleasant to use and is most effective. This is made by dis solving half a pound of hard soap, shaved fine, in a gallon of soft water. This is best accomplished by boiling. Re move from the fire and vigorously stir in two gallons of kerosene oil. A thick, creamy emulsion will result, and this is the stock mixture. Dilute with soft water 10 parts to one part of the stock mixture, and the material is ready for use.
 The spraying or painting should be done at intervals of a few days until the pests are well submerged. After that an ap- plication every few weeks will do nicely.
 Provide dust baths for the birds If earth floors are used in the houses, the fowls will make wallowing places for themselves. During the dry months they will do the same in the yards. provided the soil is light and dry. Otherwise, lib- eral-sized boxes of finely sifted soil should be supplied. Through wallowing in this fine material they will brush off or smother many of their unwelcome visitors
 In addition, the attendant should dust his stock treating each bird individually and thoroughly with some good. powerful lice killer There are many reliable pre- cautions of this kind on the market dependable lice killer may be made at small cost by following these direc- tions.
 Effective Insect Powders Mix three parts of gasoline and one part crude carbolic acid of 90-95 per cent strength. Or three parts of gasoline and one part cresol.
 Add to this mixture, stirring vigorously meanwhile, plaster of paris. to absorb all tine moisture. This usually requires about four quarts of the plaster of paris to one quart of the liquid The two should be | thoroughly incorporated, thus making a dry powder pinkish brown in color. It should be kept in tightly closed boxes or cans
 Common Persian insect powder is also very effective. It may be purchased as most drug stores, but in many localities I is rather expensive
 When going oversa flock of hens, giving individual treatment, it is best to work at night by lantern light. The birds may then be lifted from the roost, dusted and returned to their places without the ex- citemenet which accompanies catching them during the hours of daylight. A A large tray or shallow box should be provided to catch any powder which sifts off the birds during the dusting process. \ Hold the patient by the legs, head down. 4 ward. above the tray Sprinkle liberal X amount of the powder into the fluff along the back and beneath the wings.