GENERAL CARE 71 



furnish plenty of space for each. Plenty of thick cover 

 should afford snuggeries for timid birds, and nest boxes 

 should be hung about in likely positions. Nesting material, 

 such as soft hay, horse hair, moss, leaves, feathers, etc., 

 should be available. String and cotton are dangerous for 

 such purposes, as the feet of parents or young may become 

 entangled. 



When birds are expected to breed, the aviary should be 

 entered as little as possible, and then by one person only. 

 Dogs and cats must be prevented from alarming the inmates 

 of the aviary, as a fright at this time may upset breeding 

 plans for the season. 



Cages are the usual homes of pet birds, space and con- 

 ditions making their use necessary in most cases. While 

 many birds undoubtedly do better at liberty in aviaries, it is 

 equally true that a good number are much better off in 

 smaller quarters. There are species whose food habits make 

 them difficult to cater to, or which are uncommonly delicate 

 as regards draught and dampness. 



There are all kinds of cages, and the selection of a suit- 

 able one is not the simple matter it is commonly supposed 

 to be. The open brass cages commonly sold are an abomi- 

 nation from many points of view. They offer the inmate 

 no protection from draught and fright, the brass is likely 

 to become coated with poisonous verdigris, and artistically 

 they are outrageous. It is unfortunate that the brass cage 

 has become so popular in America, for it will be displaced 

 with difficulty. 



Handsome wicker cages are now being offered by some of 

 the more advanced shops, but the prices asked generally are 

 excessive. While these cages are dangerously open, they 

 excel the brass contraption in at least two points. 



The ideal bird-cage is of the box type. Such a cage is 

 entirely enclosed, except on one side, which is furnished with 



