The Corning Egg Farm book, by Corning himself

Diseases in poultry generally come from neglecting sanitary conditions. A damp house, filthy drinking fountains, musty and sour foods, or a general condition of filth, bring diseases, whether the birds are kept in large or small flocks.

An ailing bird should at once be removed and isolated, and, unless it shows immediate signs of recovery, the best remedy, and the safest, is the hatchet. The constant and systematic spraying of the roosting closets, the drinking trough platforms, underneath the dropping boards, and in the corners between the sections, with Kerosene Oil and Crude Carbolic (and it must be remembered that the solution used for spraying is one-half gallon of Crude Carbolic to five gallons of Kerosene Oil, when the birds are in the House), will eliminate all danger of contagion, provided the Houses, in all other respects, are kept in a proper and cleanly condition.

When the pullets are first put into the House, in the Fall of the year, it is wise to watch with great care that individuals in the flock do not develop the “snuffles,” which mean increasing trouble of a more serious nature if allowed to go without attention.

The washing of the drinking cups of the fountains with Kerosene Oil, and Potassium Permanganate in the water once a week, will, in most cases, keep the flock immune from trouble. Spraying is one of the best cures for colds, as it not only restores the affected bird to health, but clears up the danger of infection which, otherwise, might result in spreading disease among the whole flock.

We have never had a “run” of any disease at The Corning Egg Farm. Gapes and White Diarrhœa—the most dreaded of all young chick diseases—are unknown on the Farm. This is attributed to the strong vitality and vigorous condition maintained by fresh air housing, cleanliness, sanitary regulation, and by giving sweet, wholesome food and plenty of pure, fresh water.