172 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



If taken for cage-purposes, the better way is, to take a nest containing the entire 

 brood, and rear them by hand ; although the parent birds plead most piteously, and 

 do not care to have their offspring so ruthlessly adopted : but the young birds them- 

 selves take kindly to the operation ; and, if sufficient food is given them, they appear 

 to be perfectly content. A nest of young Robins are most voracious eaters, and it 

 is a wonder how the old birds can supply them with sufficient food : they are ready 

 at any hour of the day for a mouthful ; and, if it is not supplied, their wants are 

 quickly made known. When taken from the nest, a paste should be made of equal 

 parts of hard-boiled egg, boiled potato, and soft bread : this mixture may be given 

 them in the shape of pellets, and afterwards washed down with a drop or two of 

 water dropped from the tip of a small stick. As the birds grow older, prepared 

 Mocking-bird food may be added to the mixture ; and, when of sufficient age to feed 

 themselves, the regular food and care, such as is given all soft-billed birds, should 

 be given them. 



They are subject to the same diseases as the Mocking-bird. No amount of 

 dainties or insects seems to injure them. The}' are a wonderfully hardy race, and 

 rarely ever appear sick. Cases have been known where they have remained in 

 cages for twenty years, and appeared as sprightly and as full of song at that age as 

 they did when first confined. The Robin's usual method of taking himself out of 

 the world is completed by the aid of the cat, which animal has a keen taste for the 

 bird's juiciness. 



Robins should have large-sized cages ; although they get along in almost any 

 thing in the shape of a cage, and require plenty of gravel and bathing-water. 



Dainties for them may consist of fresh meat, insects of any kind, berries or 

 fruit. They readily learn tricks ; for their appetites are so great, that they will do 

 any thing to obtain dainties. 



I would say in conclusion, that, should anybody want a cheap bird, a hardy 

 bird, a fine-singing bird, and a handsome bird, the male Robin fills the entire 

 combination. 



