274: CAX ARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



foud of live mice. Clean, fresh drinking and bathing water should be given in 

 abundance. Nestlings of any of the above birds may be reared on bread and milk, 

 and meat in small quantities, chopped fine. 



The cage in which a bird is confined should be adapted to the habits and dis- 

 position of its occupant. A Canary will appear very restless sometimes in a round 

 cage, flying to the top, and stretching his head backwards until he drops to the 

 bottom. This trick soon becomes a habit ; the bird soon ceases to sing ; and the 

 time is occupied in nervous, aimless flutterings, that render the bird nearly worth- 

 less, and drive his owner to distraction. Usually, if such a bird is put into a cage 

 of different pattern before the trick becomes a confirmed habit, he will be cured, 

 and sing as well as ever. 



