Milford chronicle., 1915-09-03

so, they are an exception to the general
run. for few, if any focks of chickens,
are ever entirely free from some one or
other of the many diseases which affect
poultry. Each year poultrymen spend
many big, round dollars in an effort to
get rid Of various diseases which crop
up among their fowls and gain foot
hold upon a large number OF them. In
many cases their efforts are in vain.
This condition can generally be traced
to the lack of thorOughness on the part
of the breeder in caring for the general
health of his fowls, or his lack OF atten-
ton when once he notices a sick bird.
This inattentiOn, or rather careless
ness, on the part of the poultryman, Will
often result in the determination OF the
entire flock. and means a heavy loss to
the breeder 1t is very poor time IN
deed to attempt to save the lives OF
chickens, when once the disease has
spread through the entire flock. If any
are saved, they will doubtless show signs
of the disease in after life, and will be
worth little or nothing in the end. For
that reason, when one sits idly by and
allows disease to spread through his
flock, it would be far better if all died,
rather than save a few, to give trouble
in the end.
This naturally brings forth the ques-
tions: How can chickens be kept free
from disease? Can disease be prevent
ed? If so. how?
Somewhere, way back in the early
days, someone said: An ounce of pre-
vention is worth a pound Of cure.
Take this for all that it means, and ap-
ply it in the poultry business. Use pre-
vention in order to eliminate poultry
diseases, and if this is done regularly
YOU should not be bothered with sickness
of any note. 1t is far easier to prevent
disease than to cure it, when once 1t
crops out.
There are three fundamentals, which
if strictly adheared to, will prevent al
most all of the diseases common to poul-
try, and be it known that they are:
Proper housing, eXacting care and clean
illness.
Housing is stipulated first, owing to
the fact that here is where the birds are
kept The coop or home of the fowls
should be a healthful one. Improper
ventilation will cause more fowls to be-
come i'll than almost any other cause.
Fresh air is necessary, but the presence
of drafts spells sickness. In order to
get the best results, the coop should be
built facing the south, and all openings
made in this side of the house. Never
close up the coop tightly, but rather
leave an extended portion of the South
side open, which can be covered with
wire. If the entire front is not open,
and this side contains windows or doors,
keep them open during the spring, sum
mer and fall months. Even IN the WIN
ter time, a portion of the south side of
the building should be left open in order
to admit sufficient fresh air for the birds.
If the weather is very severe, however,
you may hang a muslin curtain in front
of the opening; but do not close it up
tight.
All other parts of the coop, three sides
and the top, should be alright, in order
to keep out the drafts. Fresh air is as
essential TO the health of chickens as 1t
is to human beings, and if this is denied
the fowls, you can look for sickness
among them.
Dampness is another and vital point
to be considered and in order to prevent
this, it is best to build the coop little
off the ground. Poultry houses built
promiscuOusly, without any attention
being paid to either of these two import
ant matters, will not be healthful places
for the fowls, and if placed in them, the
birds will be continuously out OF condl-
tion and may develop diseases that VIII
mean heavy losses and which will be
hard to eradicate.
Houses which permit of drafts, a lack
of fresh air and the presence of damp
ness, cause fowls to contract colds. This
generally results in roup, canker, cholera
and like ailments, which spread rapidly
through the flock. 1t should therefore
be easy to see Just what it means to
house the birds properly. Don't spend
good money in decorating your poultry
houses with ornamental or ginger
bread" work, but build plain, good,
comfortable houses and you will be bet
ter in the end.
No matter how good the coop may be,
the chickens require proper care. Don t
think that your duty ends by simply
giving them a good and comfortable
abode. They need your attention every
day and every night. They are helpless
creatures, and must be supplied the
necessities of life, otherwise they can
not thrive nor continue healthy.
In addition to the proper housing, the
fowls must be fed twice daily on good
balanced grain ration, particularly where
they are in confinement, and in addition
to this, should be allowed liberal guam
titles Of a good mash food and daily
allowance Of green food; in addition to
this, supply grit. shells and charcoal.
These are absolutely necessary to good
health and should not be neglected on
any account. Fresh water should always
be kept before the fowls, and during the
hot weather. it is best to change this ct
least twice a day.
Besides the proper feeding, it is nee
essary that the birds be provided with
sufficient shade to protect them from
the hot rays of the sun. Oh, yes, they
need sunshine-but this does not mean
to compel them to stay in the scorching
rays continually. They require a certain
amount Of shade, and must have it in
order to keep in condition. Exercise is
Just as important, and to give the fowls
plenty Of healthful exercise, the grain
food should be scattered in a good light
litter, where they will be compelled to
scratch for it.