Flock Health - Raising Poultry - page 412

You can correct angel wing by securing the feathers in the desirable shape with masking
tape, reapplying as necessary for a week or two.
CARCASS DISPOSAL
No matter how big or how small your operation is, you'll have to dispose of dead
birds. Burial is an option for many. If you live in a rural community and can have a
fire on your property, incineration in a pit is an excellent method of disposal for birds
that may be carriers of a contagious disease. In some states, if your bird is diagnosed
with a contagious disease, it will have to be disposed of by state authorities. When in
doubt, contact the local Extension office, but in most cases the backyard raiser is able
to dispose of dead birds without interference.
Should your birds show signs of angel wing, start dealing with it with a proper diet
and using the following treatment as soon as you see it occurring. I have corrected the
deformity in some birds by using masking tape and taping the feathers together in the
natural way they should be. Leave the tape on for a week or two and re-tape as needed to
keep the wing bones properly shaped, and the feathers develop normally. See page 191
in chapter 13 , Waterfowl, for more information about angel wing.
Oviduct Prolapse
Prolapse is a condition found in all species of poultry, but it typically occurs in high-pro-
ducing hens. Prolapse happens when a hen in high production lays a particularly large
egg that forces the oviduct out along with it. In most cases of “blowout,” the hen per-
ishes quickly. You can't do much to save the bird unless it is a very minor partial pro-
lapse. If the oviduct is only partially exposed, lubricate your finger and the exposed ovi-
duct and carefully massage the area; this might help it pull back into the hen.