DISEASES. 19 



particular directions on this head, in my account of each sepa- 

 rate species. 



It is also necessary to mention the time at which young 

 birds, which it is desired to rear in the aviary, should in 

 general be taken from the nest. This is, when the tail feathers 

 are just beginning to grow, while the other feathers are com- 

 mencing to expand themselves, and the eyes are not yet quite 

 open. If they are taken before this time, their stomachs are 

 not strong enough to bear the change of food ; if after, it is 

 with great difficulty that they can be induced to open their 

 beaks, to receive food with which they are unacquainted. 

 Some species, however, may be tamed, and will allow themselves 

 to be fed, at any period of life. 



"VI. DISEASES OF CAGE-BIRDS. 



LIKE all domestic animals, birds in confinement are more subject 

 to disease than they would be in their natural state of life ; 

 although the assertion that wild birds are never attacked by 

 any ailment, is altogether unfounded. I have myself often 

 seen the Hedge-warbler, for example, completely covered with 

 pimples, especially on the feet and round the beak. There is 

 no doubt, however, that most of the disorders of Cage-Birds pro- 

 ceed from two causes, in part incidental to their condition ; first, 

 the narrow space within which they are confined, and conse- 

 quent want of exercise ; and secondly, the sugar, confectionery, 

 and other dainties often given to them, which impair the 

 digestive powers, and frequently result in decline. 



I have here enumerated the results of my own experience 

 as to the chief Diseases of Cage-Birds, and the most effectual 

 remedies for them. As, however, the food of different birds is 

 not always the same, a different mode of treating their ailments 

 is often necessary. In any case, therefore, where the general 

 directions which I subjoin do not appear sufficient, I shall ap- 

 pend to my account of the bird a statement of the diseases to 

 which it is particularly liable, and the treatment rendered ne- 

 cessary by the nature of its food. 



1. THE PIP. This is properly a cold, in which the nostrils 

 are stopped up, and the external skin of the tongue hardened 

 by inflammation. In the case of large birds, it is the best plan 

 to remove the hardened cuticle, beginning on the lower side, 

 near the palate ; an operation by which the pores of the skin 



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