ODDS AND ENDS.


By Reginald Phillipps.


ACCIDENTS.—In reply to Miss Alderson’s inquiry

(p. 82), I think it essential that support of some kind should be

used in the case of a broken leg. The point to be aimed at is

that, after the two ends of the broken bone have been placed in

position, they should be so fixed that there may not be any

movement to hinder the knitting of the two pieces. The actual

kind of splint or support used must depend on the position of

the fracture and the size of the bird, for it must not be too heavy

for the patient to bear. In the case of the Cuckoo I spoke of

(p. 56), the fracture being actually at the joint, nothing was used

or seemed possible but a simple linen figure-of-8 bandage, which

I had been taught in olden days at the St. John Ambulance

Classes. I think I give good advice (alas ! I do not always follow

even myown advice) when I add that it is, as a rule, a wise proceed¬

ing to call in a doctor or vet., the former from preference, if one can

be obtained who will trouble himself about a bird, as some of

the latter are very heavy handed. Not only are two pairs of

hands necessary, but professional men have materials and

appliances (not to mention professional knowledge) which are

often of great value, and which an amateur would not possess.


THE SHAMA.—I am very glad that Phil, is so well

(p. 82). The Shama, in my opinion, is a charming species.


ROCK SALT.—I can fully endorse Mr. St. Quintin’s

appreciation (p. 82) of the vaiue of rock salt. I keep it in all

my aviaries and cages, and have done so for many years. Mr.

Savage had something to say on this subject, likewise in

connection with Gouldian Finches, at page 17 of Vol. III., where

also I have a foot-note. As Mr. St. Quintin infers, in dry places

it requires wetting pretty frequently. Pieces in cages I regularly

dip or even wash.


EGG SHELLS AND EGG-EATING.—Another capital

thing is a supply of egg shells, from fresh eggs only. These

should be baked, and then ground in a coffee mill, or else

crumbled very small. This will not induce to egg-eating, as

some have supposed. Small aviary birds very rarely, probably

never, eat their own eggs for the sake of eating them : they are

not such fools as all that. They eat their eggs simply because

they consider their surroundings unsuitable for breeding. A

regular egg-eater, if moved to a proper place, will breed at once.



