130 The Canary Book. 



continually turning their heads round in a very peculiar 

 manner. It is the result of some nervous affection, or of a 

 diseased organism. I know of no remedy for it, and birds so 

 afflicted had better be destroyed. If such birds could be 

 induced to breed, this might possibly remove the malady, but 

 in the case referred to, neither of them showed any disposition 

 to mate with other birds. 



CLAWS AND BEAKS, OVERGROWN. I must not omit to state 

 that all birds confined in cages require their claws cutting 

 occasionally, some more frequently than others ; and their 

 bills too sometimes, but this only in exceptional cases. These 

 operations should be performed with a pair of small, but sharp 

 scissors. Great care is required not to cut too much off their 

 claws to make them bleed, or you might lame the birds ; neither 

 must you cut any more off the bill of a bird than is absolutely 

 necessary. This is a delicate operation, and should only be 

 performed by an experienced person. These little attentions 

 conduce greatly both to the health and comfort of birds. (See 

 also p. 79). 



CONSTIPATION. This can be relieved by putting a few drops 

 of molasses in the bird's drinking water, or by giving it a 

 plentiful supply of green food if during the summer months; 

 if in the winter, a little white bread sopped in milk and well 

 sweetened with moist sugar, or a little prepared egg food, with 

 a few drops of castor or almond oil added, may be placed in 

 the egg-pan for the use of the birds, and a little green food, 

 if seasonable at the time when required; if not, supply a 

 little scalded German (summer) rape seed. 



CONSUMPTION (PULMONARY) OR PHTHISIS. Perhaps one 

 of the most difficult diseases to contend with, and one with 

 which birds are frequently affected, is phthisis, or pulmonary 

 consumption, and those most prone to this malady are the 

 Belgian, Dutch, and Lancashire Canaries. It is generally con- 

 tracted during the time the birds are moulting, although, no 

 doubt, in many instances it results from breeding from parents 

 affected with this complaint. It may originate through allowing 



