234 PET BIRDS OF BENGAL 



The Indian bird-keeper does not find 

 much dij6B.culty in steadying the Bhim- 

 raj. The ordinary satoo mixture with a 

 constant supply of insects, maggots, and a 

 few cockroaches keeps it fit. In the 

 Calcutta Zoo Gardens, it was noticed to 

 hawk upon rats and lizards straying into 

 its aviary. It will never come down to the 

 ground for picking up its food. So its 

 food-cups must be tied high up near 

 itvS^ perch. Occasionally, but sparingly, 

 very finely minced meat may be given. 

 Too much of this food may bring on 

 indigestion. It is not a frugivorous bird, 

 though it has been, in captivity, noticed 

 to take fruit. It loves bathing and 

 should be provided with a fresh-water 

 bath. It does not ail much in our cli- 

 mate except for bad moult. The only 

 treatment for this seems to be good food 

 and cleanliness. 



In England, successful attempts have 

 been made to acclimatize the bird. 

 There it requires a good deal of careful 



