BIRD NEWS 



11 



THE CANARY 



IVactical Notes on General ^lanage- 



nient and Uretding. 



No. 4. 



Breeding bii-ds may be an art. Mat- 

 ing birds is certainly a science. Breed- 

 ing considered as mere reproduction 

 of species, is simply tiie combination 

 of "any old thing" provided they 

 are of different sex. Mating on the 

 other hand is an estimate of proba- 

 bilities and demands tact, judgment, 

 experience and above all a fixed ideal 

 of type. Mating scarcely comes with- 

 in the province of the novice, but 

 is relegated to and generally accepted 

 as the privilege of "the fancier." 

 There are however certain conditions, 

 may we not say rules, which are es- 

 sential to the successful raising of 

 birds, whether as simple pets, or 

 choice exhibition specimens. The no- 

 vice cannot well afford to remain long 

 in that stage of simplicity, but must 

 start quickly to observe, think and 

 conclude, or in other words he must 

 early learn to recognize that birds 

 like their more exalted entities of 

 creation, viz, humans are individuals 

 and possess tempers, likes and dis- 

 likes, mannerisms and characteris- 

 tics which are in measure, just as 

 potent factors for successful "union- 

 ism" as in the higher types. This 

 power of observation and deduction, 

 this personal equation is a most de- 

 sirable attribute and the would-be 

 fancier should aim at its cultivation, 

 not considering either time or money 

 spent therein as wasted material. 

 Breeding type or show canaries in 

 outside aviaries had better not be 

 attempted by the novice, indeed the 

 instances where it has been success- 

 fully attempted by the veteran are 

 not specially numerous. 



In selecting breeding birds, the 

 amateur certainly should consult 

 some experienced fancier or trust- 



worthy dealer, and it is comforting 

 to know that such do exist. Tell him 

 what your wishes are, even confess 

 you have an ambition to raise world- 

 beaters, or as the American would 

 say "crack-a-jacks." This confession 

 he will not laugh to scorn, it is as 

 innate in the fancy as original sin. 

 He wont think any thing the less 

 of you, indeed will in all respects 

 get closer to you, and having put 

 him on his honor and knowledge 

 he will, in most cases at least, do 

 all he can to "deliver the goods." 

 It is a good season between Novem- 

 ber and end of January to select 

 your birds. Begin at once to study 

 their individuality, get acquainted; 

 mutual confidence, like bread upon 

 the waters comes back after many 

 days. Give the hens all the liberty 

 you can afford, a small outside aviary 

 if you have it, a room, or failing 

 these large roomy flight cages. This 

 means exercise, and exercise means 

 health, and health means better 

 chances for successful and desirable 

 results. You may extend the same 

 privileges to the males, but here 

 your first study period of character 

 will stand you in good stead. Many 

 cocks are pugnacious and even spite- 

 ful, others again are over sensitive 

 and lead miserable lives, when in 

 and out in society. These different 

 types must be treated accordingly. 

 But bear in mind this community 

 life, always admits of injury to plum- 

 mage, and would be unwise if you 

 contemplate exhibiting any of these 

 particular birds. When in the 

 flights, individual characters are al- 

 ways sooner or later in evidence, and 

 as the stimulus of gentle spring re- 

 turning, stirs up the deeper passions, 

 you will soon have demonstrations 

 of personability, which you had bet- 

 ter record for further reference. Ex- 

 perience has shown that even in the 

 flights, "or runs" it is better to pre- 



