70 The Canary Book. 



when the young birds are about three weeks old. It is con- 

 sidered a good plan to get them to feed themselves early. 

 In an ordinary way, that is when a cock has been removed 

 from a hen either for being troublesome to her or for the 

 purpose of pairing him to another hen, it is best to return 

 him to her again (if she hatches) when the young birds are 

 from seven to ten days old. He is sure to take to them at 

 once (if not a cannibal) and assist the hen to rear them. As 

 soon as the hen lays three eggs she may be set, and the 

 nestlings can be left in the care of the cock, who will bring 

 them up himself. If, on the other hand, the cock be not 

 returned until the progeny are fourteen days old or upwards, 

 it not unfrequently happens that he will not take to them at 

 all, and I have known instances (though rare) where young 

 birds have perished from this cause. In all cases where a 

 cock is first returned to a hen with young ones, he ought to 

 be watched, unless he is a tried and faithful servant ; but that 

 must be so arranged as to enable them to be seen without 

 their being able to see the watcher, or even to be aware of 

 his presence, as that alone would deter them from acting in 

 the way they would do in the absence of any one; and if a 

 cock really will not feed them, then the plan hereinbefore 

 mentioned must be adopted. 



HATCHING. When a hen is about to hatch, a supply of 

 egg and bread and green food must be given her, and also a 

 little linseed and maw-seed, or even hemp-seed, but very 

 sparingly, a change of diet being beneficial to both the young 

 and adult birds; this treatment ought to be continued until 

 the young fledgelings are at least six weeks old, when they 

 will be able to feed themselves with seed, which is much 

 better for them. A few groats may be given to them at 

 this time, which will be of great service, and care must be 

 taken to clean the cages frequently and supply the birds 

 liberally with sand and fine gravel. 



DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED IN BREEDING. Having given 

 the course to be pursued in canary-breeding, I will proceed 



