Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1918-05-28
Control Of Poultry Parasites.
fJohn 8. Carver, Poultry Specialist.)

mo6eC I0WI6. d0u6 HstaCkou ny hCot
mites and other parasites fall off ma
terially in egg production. Chickens af.
fected with lice and mites, are usually
stunted and droopy, and quite common
~ die off 10 large numbers. AZ a
measure of efficiency In our poultry
management, We should protect our
poultry from the ravages OF poultry
parasites.
BODY LICE.
There are two common types OF the
body louse, the large 1.S inch long) and
the small (l.10 inob) body louise. They
are yellowish In color with dark centers
due to food In their bodies. They are
found on nearly all parts Of the body,
but In the largest number in the vicinity
of the vent. They lay their eggs on the
lower barbs of the feather just below
the vent. Poultry 10 attacked BY them
both In winter and summer. They
are usually found the most
numerous under the wings OF small
chickens. They are very serious pest
when found In large numbers because OF
their irritating effect on the birds caused
BY lice eating the scales of the skin and
running over the surface. They
multiply very rapidly and unless birds
are treated they will be literally warming
with lice.
The best method Of control known is
the application Of mercuric ointment
the size of pea just below the vent.
| Rub this into the skin so a. the bird
cannot eat 1t, a. IL 10 deadly poison.
For young chickens piece Of ointment
should be applied under each wing as
we'll % under the vent.
Mercurial ointment contains 30 per
cent OF metallic mercury. Blue oint.
ment 10 q mixture containing 81 per
cent of mercurial ointment and 33 per
cent vaseline. Mercurisl ointment Is less
expensive than blue ointment. Mix
thoroughly 8 parts OF white vaseline
with one part Of mercurial ointment for
best mixture. One ounce will treat Is
hens ut the cost of about fifteen cents.
POULTRY MITES.
Mites are much more serious pest to
poultry than lice, % they feed on the
blood of the birds. They multiply very
rapidly and before the poultryman
realizes bis house is riddled with them.
Mites hide In the cracks and crevices In
the day time and do their work at night.
They are found the thickest In regions
about the roosts, dropping boards
and nests. The mites live over oil
winter In dormant stage and start to
multiply early in the spring.
Control by painting the roosts, drop
ping boards and nests early In the spring
with Carbolineum, coal tar liquid, con.
tanning some carbolio acid. After
painting the roosts, dropping boards
and nests, they should be allowed to
thoroughly dry. Ono painting of this
material will last the duration OF the
year.
sCALY LEGS.
Scaly legs on hens are caused BY 3
minute mite, known % tho scaly leg
mite. The mite 10 very small and can
not be distinguished with the naked eye.
The mite burrows under tho skin where
| 1t lives and breeds, forcing the scales of
the leg up. When badly affected the
birdn stop laying and become lame.
Control. Soak the feet Of the affected
bird with soap and water to soften up
the scale. After brushing the scale, sp-
ply an ointment to the legs, composed Of
one part oil of oaraway and Eve parts Of
white yaselIne.