46 THE SPEAKING PARROTS. 



species, which naturally increases the value, is that they live 

 to an extraordinary age. It cannot, of course, be known what 

 acre they attain in freedom, but in cages there are examples 

 known, particularly amongst Cockatoos, Grey Parrots, Amazons, 

 &c., in which they have lived much, more than a hundred 

 years. 



No further directions for parrot training can be given, nor 

 are they necessary ; for whoever has the inclination and ability 

 for it will certainly be able to teach any talented bird by 

 following the directions I have given. 



CHAP. VI.— PEESERVATION OF HEALTH. 



General Comfort — Dangerous Influences — Effects of Draughts, 

 Excessive Heat, and Foul Air — Overhanging of the Cage — 

 Care of Plumage — Bathing — Moulting — Play of Wings — 

 Attention to Feet — Description of Perch. 



EvEEY lover of speaking parrots should regard it as an especial 

 problem how to obtain for such birds as comfortable an existence 

 as possible, to procure for them pleasures of all kinds, and to 

 protect them from all hurtful influences. For this not only a 

 suitable cage is necessary, but sufficient food of the best quality, 

 attentive and affectionate treatment, and also the most careful 

 attention to health. The last requires, above all things, that 

 the bird be protected from all dangerous influences, from 

 draughts, damp, cold, rapid changes of temperature, too great heat 

 (artificial warmth as well as burning sunrays), steam or dust, 

 air filled with noxious gases, or otherwise rendered injurious, 

 from bad or unsuitable food, impure water, uncleanliness, and 

 neglect of all kinds. I also include tobacco smoke, although 

 experience teaches us that a parrot may become accustomed to 

 the atmosphere of a busy inn, impregnated with smoke and 

 vapour, and live in it long. 



A speaking parrot, even after it has been years in our 

 possession, and is therefore fully acclimatised, should never be 

 placed at an open window, even in calm warm weather, because 

 there is always a draught under these circumstances, and this is 

 invariably injurious to the bird. If it be desired to take it into 



