Correspondence, Notes, etc.



Waterfowl do not appear to have been studied by

aviculturists to the extent to which they deserve, seeing

how seldom they are mentioned in this Magazine; and Mr.

Finn deserves the thanks of aviculturists generally for having

placed the result of his knowledge and experience of this

attractive and beautiful family at their disposal.


This little book treats of several rare species, as well as

of all the commonly-kept forms, and their domesticated

descendants. It contains numerous illustrations, mostly by Mr.

Lydon in his well-known style, but a few are direct reproductions

from photographs, and two of these (on pp. 25 and 29) are

particularly interesting.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



GREY PARROT BITING ITS FEATHERS.


Sir, — I am anxious to obtain advice about my African Grey Parrot

which I have had more than six years, during which time lie has had

perfect health in every wa)\ Last Wednesday afternoon he suddenly

commenced plucking his plumage. He does not pull his feathers out but

bites the tips off and throws them down on to the bottom of the cage. He

has completely ruined his plumage and looks dreadfully rough. He always

looked so beautiful before. I feed him on ordinary parrot food and boiled

Indian corn as directed by the lady from whom I bought him. I gave him

old reels of cotton and a stone to play with and bite, but nothing stops him

biting his feathers. I should be much obliged if you could let me know of

any remedy for this habit. Perhaps he has got insects and you might

inform me what to do with him in that case.


Walter Burton.


The following reply has been sent to Mr. Burton :


I believe the only effective cure for feather-plucking in parrots,

would be to turn them loose in a large outdoor aviary : but au aviary for a

Grey Parrot would have to be as strongly built as the Monkev-cages at the

Zoological Gardens.


There is not the least doubt that the cause of your bird ruining its

plumage is, that it has been improperly fed for more than six years. If it

had not been a very healthy and vigorous bird, feather-plucking would

have been resorted to years ago : it is the invariable result of using so-

called “ Parrot-food,” sooner or later.



