MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE BIRDS. 187 
be near the roof, so that the birds may roost well out of 
sight of anything which might disturb them. 
Long straight perches should be avoided, as these offer 
a temptation to selfish birds, which can easily run along 
such and keep others off them. 
The two perches in a small cage should always be 
round, and of different thicknesses, so as to ease the bird’s 
feet by a change of grip. 
NESTING PLACES. 
In large aviaries and even in big cages many birds 
breed, and accommodation for nesting will be necessary. 
This must of course depend on the habits of the birds. 
Those that nest in holes, like Parrots or Mynahs, need 
small boxes, kegs, gourds, or in the case of small species, 
cocoanut husks, with a hole at one end for entrance, 
and a short perch projecting below it. 
Those which nest in bushes, such as Finches, will be 
well pleased with small wicker cages, of which the door 
has been removed; or a natural bush with plenty of 
twigs will tempt them. 
Doves, which build an open platform of twigs, are glad 
to have trouble saved them by being given a_ shallow 
open basket. 
Nesting materials—twigs, short lengths of straw and 
hay, fine shavings, dry moss, feathers, and short hair— 
should be supplied according to the species of birds 
kept. The lighter and looser materials should be tied up 
in a little net, to keep them from being blown away and 
thrown recklessly about. 
