AVIARIES, BIRD-ROOMS AND CAGES. 61 



I have said nothing about a ventilator for the ad- 

 mission of fresh air. This can either be fixed in the 

 end; or one of the openings in the window can be used 

 for the purpose. See Chapter IX. and Fig. 26. 



The bird-house we have described would be suitable 

 for almost any birds, because, if necessary, we could 

 heat it for the more delicate species. If it is our desire 

 to use it exclusively for hardy British or Foreign birds, 

 however, we must then make an extra door frame, out 

 of light ij inch wood. This we shall cover with half- 

 inch wire netting, and fix it to open inwards, the oppo- 

 site way to the ordinary door. During most days this 

 may be closed, and the outside door left open, so that 

 the birds are practically in the open air. See centre 

 photograph in the full-page plate facing page 62. 

 A wire door is also very useful (no matter of what species 

 the inmates of the bird-house may be) to prevent the 

 escape of any that should manage to get free, either 

 accidentally, or during cleaning operations many birds 

 have been saved bv this very simple device. 



Unless one feels inclined, it is not absolutely 

 necessary to double board a building kept expressly for 

 British birds. Being hardy they are better able to 

 withstand the cold during the winter months. But at 

 the same time some of them are very susceptible to 

 draughts, and it is as well not to run risks. One board- 

 ing should be sufficient if properly fixed. If a house is 

 built expressly for them it should have the window 

 frames slightly larger, so that the birds are able to get 

 more light and sunshire; then, with plenty of fresh 

 air, they will moult out good in colour and plumage, 

 and keep healthy all the year round. 



