MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS. 187 



be near the roof, so that the birds may roost well out of 

 sight of anything which might disturb them. 



Long straight perches should be avoided, as these offer 

 a temptation to selfish birds, which can easily run along 

 such and keep others of! them. 



The two perches in a small cage should always be round, 

 and of different thicknesses, so as to ease the bird's feet 

 by a change of grip. 



Nesting Places. 



In large aviaries and even in big cages many birds 

 breed, and accommodation for nesting will be necessary. 

 This must, of course, depend on the habits of the birds. 

 Those that nest in holes, like Parrots or Mynahs, need 

 small boxes, kegs, gourds, or in the case of small species, 

 cocoanut husks, with a hole at one end for entrance 

 and a short perch projecting below it. 



Those which nest in bushes, such as Finches, will be 

 well pleased with small wicker cages, of which the door 

 has been removed ; or a natural bush with plenty of 

 twigs will tempt them. 



Doves, which build an open platform of twigs, are glad 

 to have trouble saved them by being given a shallow 

 open basket. 



Nesting materials — twigs, short lengths of straw and 

 hay, fine shavings, dry moss, feathers, and short hair — 

 should be supplied according to the species of birds 

 kept. The lighter and looser materials should be tied up 

 in a little net, to keep them from being blown away and 

 thrown recklessly about. 



