Asthma. — This common disease seems to differ sufficiently
in its characteristics to warrant a distinction into two species.
In one it appears to be caused by an obstruction of the air-
cells, by an accumulation of phlegm, which interferes with the
exercise of their functions. The fowl labors for breath, in
consequence of not being able to take in the usual quantity
of air at an inspiration. The capacity of the lungs is thereby
diminished, the lining membrane of the windpipe become*
thickened, and its minute branches are more or less affected.
Another variety of asthma is induced by fright, or undue
excitement. It is sometimes produced by chasing fowls to
catch them, by seizing them suddenly, or by their fighting
with each other. In these cases, a blood-vessel is often
ruptured, and sometimes one or more of the air-cells. The
symptoms are short breathing; opening of the beak often, and
for quite a time; heaving and panting of the chest; and, ip
POULTRY. 276
case of a rupture of a blood-vessel, a drop of blood appearing
on the beak.
Treatment. — Confirmed asthma is difficult to cure. For
the disease in its incipient state, the fowl should be kept warm,
and treated with repeated doses of hippo-powder and sulphur,
mixed with butter, with the addition of a small quantity of
cayenne pepper.
Costiveness. — The existence of this disorder will become
apparent by observing the unsuccessful attempts of the fowl ^o
relieve itself. It frequently results from continued feeding on
dry diet, without access to green vegetables. Indeed, without
the use of these, or some substitute — such as mashed potatoes
— costiveness is certain to ensue. The want of a sufficient
supply of good water will also occasion the disease, on account
of that peculiar structure of the fowl, which renders them un-
able to void their urine, except in connection with the faeces of
solid food, and through the same channel.
Treatment.— Soaked bread, with warm skimmed milk, i«
a mild remedial agent, and will usually suflicc. Boiled carrot?*
or cabbage are more efficient. A meal of earth-worms is some-
times advisable; and hot potatoes, mixed with bacon-fat, are
said to be excellent. Castor-oil and burned butter will remove
the most obstinate cases; though a clyster of oil, in addition,
may sometimes be required in order to effect a cure.
Diarrhoea. — There are times when fowls dung more losely
than at others, especially when they have been fed on green or
soft food; but this may occur without the presence of disease.
Should this state, however, deteriorate into a confirmed and con-
tinued laxity, immediate attention is required to guard against
fatal effects. The causes of diarrhoea are dampness, undue
acidity in the bowels, or the presence of irritating matter there.
Symptoms. — The symptoms are lassitude and emaciation;
and, in very severe cases, the voiding of calcareous matter,
white, streaked with yellow. This resembles the yolk of a stale
egg, and clings to the feathers near the vent. It becomes acrid,
from the presence of ammonia, and causes inflammation, which
speedily extends throughout the intestines.
Page 192
Presented as published in 1883. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Asthma. — This common disease seems to differ sufficiently in its characteristics to warrant a distinction into two species. In one it appears to be caused by an obstruction of the aircells, by an accumulation of phlegm, which interferes with the exercise of their functions. The fowl labors for breath, in consequence of not being able to take in the usual quantity of air at an inspiration. The capacity of the lungs is thereby diminished, the lining membrane of the windpipe becomes thickened, and its minute branches are more or less affected.
Another variety of asthma is induced by fright, or undue excitement. It is sometimes produced by chasing fowls to catch them, by seizing them suddenly, or by their fighting with each other. In these cases, a blood-vessel is often ruptured, and sometimes one or more of the air-cells. The symptoms are short breathing; opening of the beak often, and for quite a time; heaving and panting of the chest; and, in
case of a rupture of a blood-vessel, a drop of blood appearing on the beak.
Treatment. — Confirmed asthma is difficult to cure. For the disease in its incipient state, the fowl should be kept warm, and treated with repeated doses of hippo-powder and sulphur, mixed with butter, with the addition of a small quantity of cayenne pepper.
Costiveness. — The existence of this disorder will become apparent by observing the unsuccessful attempts of the fowl to relieve itself. It frequently results from continued feeding on dry diet, without access to green vegetables. Indeed, without the use of these, or some substitute — such as mashed potatoes — costiveness is certain to ensue. The want of a sufficient supply of good water will also occasion the disease, on account of that peculiar structure of the fowl, which renders them unable to void their urine, except in connection with the faeces of solid food, and through the same channel.
Treatment.— Soaked bread, with warm skimmed milk, i« a mild remedial agent, and will usually suflicc. Boiled carrots or cabbage are more efficient. A meal of earth-worms is sometimes advisable; and hot potatoes, mixed with bacon-fat, are said to be excellent. Castor-oil and burned butter will remove the most obstinate cases; though a clyster of oil, in addition, may sometimes be required in order to effect a cure.
Diarrhoea. — There are times when fowls dung more losely than at others, especially when they have been fed on green or soft food; but this may occur without the presence of disease. Should this state, however, deteriorate into a confirmed and continued laxity, immediate attention is required to guard against fatal effects. The causes of diarrhoea are dampness, undue acidity in the bowels, or the presence of irritating matter there.
Symptoms. — The symptoms are lassitude and emaciation; and, in very severe cases, the voiding of calcareous matter, white, streaked with yellow. This resembles the yolk of a stale egg, and clings to the feathers near the vent. It becomes acrid, from the presence of ammonia, and causes inflammation, which speedily extends throughout the intestines.