316 Aviary Notes. 



I have bred did without exception. On examination I found 

 tliey had rickets; their legs were crooked and one was de- 

 formed, so I liad to have them kiUcd. They were also swarm- 

 ing with red mite, so I destroyed their nest box and i)ainted 

 round about with " Fenetras " (a mixture of prepared creosote 

 — from R. Meech, Poole, Dorset — it l^ills red mite and other 

 parasites and young birds too unless used with care), also 

 painting their fresh nest box and washing the old birds with 

 Jeyes' Fluid and water. 



Later on they again nested and successfully reared two 

 very fine young birds which are still living. 



On September 14, two more equally fine young birds 

 left the nest; but, owing to the parents going into moult, 

 they weie neglected, 'and died before being able to fend for 

 themselves. 



The Virginians nest and lay many times during the 

 season; but the young are never easy to rear. 



King Pareakeets : These made no attempt to nest 

 this year, I think a pair of Californian Quails in their aviary 

 disturbed them. 



Californian Quails : These have been disuijpoiuting, 

 have laid thirty eggs, but all were infertile, so after she 

 had incubated for three weeks I gave her a Pheasant's Qgg 

 that was chipping, the chick hatching out next day — 'she 

 nursed and successfully brought up this chick. 



Stanley Parrakeets: I have had this pair for three 

 years, a clutch of eggs was laid, Init unfortunately got broken 

 and no second attempt was made. 



Parrot Finches: One i)air nested three times and fully 

 reared five young birds; then the cock died. I had a second 

 pair in another aviary, but though they nested and a clutch 

 of eggs was laid, no young were reared. 



An Abnormal Change: I bought my pair of Black- 

 cheeked Lovebirds from a member. After having them for a 

 year, the hen started to grow pale yellow feathers all over 

 her back, breast, and sides; her head has changed to pale 

 brown instead of black. By the side of the cock she looks 

 quite yellow. She is in perfect health; I think the change 

 began in January. They are in an unhealed out-door aviary, 

 where they have spent two winters. 



