44 AVIARIES, BIRD-ROOMS AND CAGES. 



The birds should be turned out just previous to the 

 moult starting, and should be closely watched. It is a 

 mistake to wait until the feathers are dropping off, as 

 the sudden change will then possibly check them, and 

 bring about an indifferent moult, whereas by turning 

 them out a few weeks previously they get acclimatised 

 and start early. Under such conditions I have seen 

 birds of colour, such as the Goldfinch and Bullfinch, 

 come out splendidly when fed upon canary and rape 

 seeds only, although no fancier would dream of letting 

 his show birds go through on this food. The saving 

 of labour is enormous, and the matter of wild seeds 

 simplicity itself a bi^ bunch hung up or thrown in 

 loosely does for all. The bath is no trouble; one big 

 one daily, and we satisfy a dozen birds at once. And 

 when the moulting is finished what marvellous condition 

 and colour they are in ! The birds intended for exhibi- 

 tion should be caught up as soon as possible, and kept 

 in a quiet corner for a day or so, every care being taken 

 not to disturb them suddenly. 



SOME DESIRABLE FOREIGN BIRDS. 



Outside aviaries may, of course, be used for Foreign 

 Birds. Their varied forms and richly-coloured plumage 

 make them specially desirable subjects to house in a 

 condition as near nature as we can get them. Many 

 are perfectly hardy, and will live through the winter 

 with only ordinary protection, while if suitable accom- 

 modation be afforded, some species will nest and success- 

 fully rear their young. It is not absolutely necessary to 

 keep a building specially for them, which is a great 

 consideration where space is limited. It will be found 

 that several species will live amicably with our British 

 Finches, and by so mixing our feathered friends one 

 gets a greater variety of colour and form, lending the 

 inmates of the building a greater interest and attraction. 



There are many species of small hardy Foreign 

 Birds suitable for keeping in an ordinary outside aviary. 

 Among them are the following: Bronze and Black- 

 headed Mannikins, Silver-bills, Java Sparrows, Spice 

 Birds, Pekin Robins, Avadavats, Grey and Golden- 

 breasted Waxbills. The following Finches are also 

 suitable : Zebra, Diamond, Rufous-tailed, Yellow- 



