62 THE SPEAKING PARROTS. 



may be produced also by other unhealthy conditions. The only 

 certain test of the existence of these parasites is to notice if 

 they are present in the excrement. Zilrn recommends as a 

 remedy fresh gourd kernels, which certainly the parrots like to 

 eat, and fresh areca nuts (6). As to the latter, however, I can 

 say nothing. I advise pure linseed oil (it must not be dirty, 

 rancid or otherwise spoilt) to be given to the affected parrot in 

 doses of one teaspoonful every morning and evening, and in 

 some cases even three times a day. The same advice applies 

 in all other cases of intestinal worms. 



Emaciation or Atrophy is in itself no disease, but only a 

 symptom of other disorders, sometimes only the result of some 

 disturbance of the digestion, but usually arises from disease of 

 the digestive or breathing organs, or other part, as from inflam- 

 mation or suppuration of the glands of the vent. The remedy 

 lies, therefore, in the discovery and alleviation of the cause. 



Choking and Vomiting are seen in several conditions of 

 disease, and can only be cured by their removal. However, 

 vomiting often occurs with the large parrots merely from mental 

 excitement, fright, anxiety, &c., and may have but little signifi- 

 cance, being only a passing attack. It also occurs when the 

 stomach is overloaded, or after indigestible food has been eaten ; 

 but even then it is mostly without danger. 



Disease of the Vent Glands (also called the Fat 

 Glands). — These provide the bird with the necessary fatty 

 substance for the maintenance of the plumage, and easily 

 become affected, especially in the case of cage birds. This 

 may be the reason, particularly with the parrots, of the irregular 

 or failing moult (see page 50). Most frequently the glands 

 get too full of fatty matter, and they then become hard or 

 suppurate, so as to resemble a gathering, which is often 

 erroneously taken for pip, and an attempt made to heal it 

 by cutting it open or by foolishly cutting it off, by which the 

 bird is exposed to the danger of losing its life. Preventative 

 measures : These I will state at greater length in speaking 

 of " Corpulency " ; but above all frequent voluntary or 

 forced bathing may be recommended. Treatment'. Careful 

 examination, whether the glands contain hard fat or true 



