FOOD. 77 



twenty-four inches long ; but larger ones can be used, 

 or a stand of the usual style. Generally, parrots do 

 not talk as well if allowed about a room, and are apt 

 to find something to eat which is injurious. 



FOOD. The food now very generally given to all 

 parrots over four months old, consists of a mixture of 

 equal parts of unhulled rice, cracked corn, hemp, and 

 sunflower seeds ; but the effects of all food should be 

 watched, and any one of the above which seems to 

 disagree with the bird must of course be withheld. 

 Probably ninety-nine parrots in every one hundred 

 thrive on the above mixture. Give daily, if. eaten, a 

 piece of cuttle-bone the size of a walnut. Half a dozen 

 peanuts may be given occasionally, but no other nuts, 

 as they are too rich. Never give any meat, bones, or 

 greasy food of any kind, as they cause diseases, and 

 ruin the plumage. Dainties from the table are usually 

 indigestible and harmful. Fruits, such as apples, 

 oranges, bananas, cherries, can be given, but only those 

 proper for your special bird should be allowed in 

 limited quantity. A vegetable red-pepper pod can be 

 given every week or so, and is particularly desirable 

 during the moulting season. A piece of raw onion, 

 half the size of an egg, acts as a good tonic. Cracker, 

 or stale but good bread, soaked in coffee, is good 

 daily ; but some gray parrots will not take coffee, or it 

 may make them nervous, in which case water should 

 be used. Water causes some to have diarrhoea, and 

 coffee, in that case, is the better drink. Silver gravel 

 in abundance should be given fresh daily for eating 

 and bathing. The cage or stand should be cleansed 



