The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-03
Cold and Roup Prevented by Housing the Chicks Early and by Cleaning the Buildings Thoroughly
Mustard, Hot Pepper and Ginger May Be Used in the Mash as a Tonic and Preventative
By 4. c. SMITH


 season depends largely the condition oi the flock during winter. Tn this article Professor Smith offers practical sugges- tions for the prevention of disease, and gives directions for preparing a simple | tonic that will ward off disease. He gives practical advice for the fall care of both old and young stock.
 | "The beginning is half the whole" as an old Greek adage says. As We trace bacl, the failures of several undertakings in poultry culture with which we are fla miliar, the conclusion forced upon us with striking emphasis is that most, if not all of them are due to poor starts Fortunately, however, poultryman is permitted to make new start every 12 months. The start, however, does not coincide with the beginning of the call endar year, but may be considered as be- ginning about this time; that is, the poultryman's year begins when he places his young stock In laying quarters. Ills success depends upon the amount of the winter product, and that in turn depends upon the condition of his stock in the early fall. which is without question the most critical time for the commercial poultryman.
 Errors of Judgment and negligence in the care of stock result not only in loss of profits a little later. but often in en- dangering the health of the flock as well, Even if large losses by death are not incurred production is curtailed. cares are multiplied and expenses increased accord ingly. Under such conditions the ordi- nary poultryman becomes discouraged.
 Danger of Disease Now The subject of diseases is particularly appropriate at this season, since they are more apt to be prevalent now than at ar1 other time. The owner of healthy flock Is usually pestered at this time by neighbors who are unable to avoid the usual troubles of the season and want to know how he cures colds, roup or cank- CT; how he kills lice or mites, and how he makes his hens lay. These and similar questions are propounded to him daily, while the truth is that the successful poul- tryman cures little, but prevents much, Cures mean increased labor and reduced production: prevention means reduced labor and increased product:on. To the poultryman, starting the new year right means starting the fall laying flock right. First. the chicks must have been matched at the proper time as late matched chicks are more subject to dis ease than those matched earlier, which are conseousntly more mature and more hardy A<ain, chicks must be grown upon proper range and with good care. HOuSe the Cnlck6 EarIy To prevent colds and roup, house the chicks early. Do not wait until the frost is biting the ground and the cold winds almost deplume the chicks in the field. In order that the conditions to which the range chick has become ac- customed may not be changed too abrupt ly, keep the south side of the house as open as possible at first.
 Because they are most tender. house l.. -t.4. 1.- .t,1%. are wild and timid, house a few at a time Those that are housed first be- come accustomed to their quarters and are examples for those housed later, teaching them to roost rather than to crowd in the corners. which leads to overheating during the night, followed by a chill when the fowls separate in the cool crisp air of the morning. Over crowding when first housed is one of the most frequent causes of colds and roup and the one that perhaps is most often overlooked.
 Housing Chicks Properly
 Housing chicks properly means more than merely affording suitable shelter and the above Is one of the small details that should be observed. Before the young flock is housed, the new quarters should have been thoroughly cleaned and disnfected. Clean litter, whether 1t be sand, loam, straw, leaves or what not, should be provided. That thls litter should be absolutely dry is also of great importance One should watch for an op- portunity to secure perfectly dry sand or loam when such constitutes the floor. and no material makes better one This is a favorable time for both house-clean ing and replenishng the floor material If this has not already been done, the sooner it is done the better.
 Mild colds which really amount to a light run of distemper very often affect flocks of young birds soon after housing They are seldom serious especially if enumerated by mild treatments and ef- fective precautions, us related above. Briefly restated, provide plenty of fresh air from one direction only; vry floors and dry houses; visit the house after dark and place the fowls upon the roost if necessary for few nights. They will soon acquire the habit of roosting
 Use Preventive Methods.
 The secret of successful treatment in such cases as in all cases of disease in fowls, is to employ preventive methods and to begin treatment during the earli- est stages of disease. before drugs and medicines are necessary. The value of fowls is not often large enough to war rant much individual treatment. If fowls have become so diseased that strong drugs are required to effect cure. they are generally either beyond curing or cures are effected only by the expenditure of more time than the value of ordinary commercial fowls warrant.
 It Is far better to start treatment when simple toncs and stimulants wlll usually prove effective. When taken in time. such tonics as are usually found in the kitchen or that may be obtained at any store are effective. The necessities are few; something to sweefen the crop, stimulate the digestion and prevent rapid development of disease germs. especially in the intestines.
 If we could eliminate diseases of the digestive tract and of the head and throat, the trials of poultry culture would be few These two classes of disease are closely related as colds are causcd py chills which retard the action of the diges- tive organ. while digestive disorders are apt to be followed by colds. roup or canker. We want. then, the most com mon, effective and simplest remedies for these troubles.
 Wheat Bran Is Valuable
 Such mild laxatixes as olive oil and lard are found in every kitchen pantry. while sulphur Is found in nearly every stable. Wheat bran is as frequently obtainable and has laxative qualities. It Is well to keep to keep before the fowls at all times supply of dry. sweet wheat bran or mash of'which that is a large ingredient. When the house and weather are dry. little sul- phur in the mash materially assists in keeping the intestines in good condi- tion. Charcoal. either powdered or granulated, sweetens the crop, assists in keeping the tntestines in normal condition and has a tendency to arrest