Diseases. 1 39 



water and dash it vigorously over the affected bird. It is 

 not considered a dangerous complaint, although, if it occurs 

 frequently, it is very apt to impair the health of birds, and 

 predispose them to disease. A mild aperient given occasionally, 

 with a little tonic medicine besides, such as the carbonate of 

 iron, quinine, infusion of quassia, or gentian, are the best 

 remedies. Some birds are very subject to this disorder during 

 the moulting period. 



P. 



FAINTING OR SYNCOPE. See under " Syncope or Fainting." 

 FAINTING FITS. Some birds are subject to fits, a species of 

 hysteric or epileptic fits, and they go into them whenever they 

 are caught, or in some instances on being exposed to the open 

 air, or simply by removing the cage. It is undoubtedly a 

 complaint affecting the nerves. When a bird takes a fit of 

 this sort, dash a little cold water over it by dipping your 

 fingers in a basin of cold water; this will generally restore 

 it in a few minutes. See also under "Epilepsy." 



FEATHER-EATING. This pernicious habit is acquired when 

 several birds are placed together in a large cage or aviary 

 to moult. No doubt heat of the body and an itching of 

 the skin is engendered during this process, and creates a 

 desire to pluck out the feathers which produce the derange- 

 ment. It is believed by some fanciers to originate through 

 a liking for the taste of blood, but I think it is often done 

 through mischief and wantonness on the part of some birds. 

 A bath given frequently and a plentiful supply of grit and 

 crushed egg-shells (the shells taken from the boiled eggs of 

 fowls), liberally sprinkled at the bottom of the cage or aviary, 

 with a moderate supply of fresh green food, and pieces of 

 apple and loaf sugar placed between the wires of the cages, 

 are the best preventives of this vicious and objectionable 

 habit. 



FEET, SORE. See under "Sore Feet," and also on p. 79. 

 FEVER, TYPHUS. See under " Typhus Fever." 



