The Zebra Finch. Ill 



In their wild state the Chesnut-eared Pinches subsist mainly 

 on grass-seeds and small insects, but in the house will do 

 very well on white millet or canary seed, or a mixture of 

 both : when breeding, however, their diet should be more 

 varied, and sponge-cake may be advantageously added to the 

 items already prescribed. 



They are very healthy and hardy birds, and are subject 

 to very few ailments except egg-binding, which is, unfortu- 

 nately, rather common with the hen Zebra Finch, whether 

 imported or aviary-bred: and I repeat that I have never 

 known one that was so attacked to completely recover. The 

 first time a bird is affected a drop of castor or olive oil 

 applied to the vent, as well as administered internally, and 

 warmth, which is a sine qua non in such cases, will afford 

 relief; but sooner or later the poor bird will die if permitted 

 to go to nest. Once a Zebra Finch, or any other bird, has 

 been egg-bound, it is best to make a nun of her at once 

 in order to save her from much suffering and an untimely 

 death. Ergot of rye, or rather a tincture made from that 

 destructive and poisonous fungus, has been recommended by 

 several writers and dealers as an infallible cure for egg- 

 binding; but I may take this opportunity of declaring that 

 I have not a particle of faith in its supposed virtues in the 

 case of egg-bound birds. When it seems to have acted bene- 

 ficiallj' in some reported cases, I believe the relief has been 

 due, not to the drug, but to the mechanical relaxation of 

 the spasm of the clo.ical sphincter by the little brush that 

 was employed in administering the medicine. 



I cannot close this brief account of a great favourite of mine 

 without confessing that the Zi bra Finch, despite his attractive 

 appearance, winning ways, and many other good qualities, 

 is a decidedly quarrelsome fellow; though I cannot exactly 

 call him a dangerous neighbour to birds smaller than himself, 

 he will, nevertheless, persistently harass them, and ought 

 not, as a rule, to be confined with such "feeble folk" as 



