PARROTS 159 



Parrots 



Of the parrots proper, there are something over one 

 hundred species, found in Mexico, Central and South 

 America, the United States, Africa and Madagascar. Al- 

 though brilliant coloration is not the rule, it is among these 

 birds that the finest talkers occur. 



Parrots are usually kept caged, close confinement ap- 

 parently not in the least affecting their health. The cage 

 should be roomy enough to permit some exercise. The 

 largest and strongest cages are usually those made of brass, 

 but the danger of poisoning from corrosion is always pres- 

 ent. For this reason, if for no other, tinned or galvanized 

 wire is preferable. As many perches as the size of the cage 

 will permit may be used. Many birds have a habit of 

 chewing the perches, which may be lessened to some extent 

 by providing bits of soft wood for the working off of 

 energy. 



Food and water receptacles generally are made removable 

 from without, a fortunate provision when the inmate must 

 be cared for by a timid or unfamiliar person. 



A removable tray, which should be kept covered with clean 

 sand or fine gravel, facilitates the removal of refuse. Par- 

 rots swallow a considerable number of small stones, which 

 are required for proper digestion of the food. 



The food of adult parrots should be much the same as 

 that recommended for cockatoos. It is customary in this 

 country to feed parrots very heavily on sunflower and 

 hemp. It should be borne in mind, however, that both these 

 seeds, particularly the latter, have a very heating and fat- 

 tening effect. They should by all means be strongly diluted 

 with oats, dari and canary seeds. Nuts, ripe fruits and 

 green food may be supplied freely. As already stated, tea, 

 coffee, meat, sweets, etc., must never be given. 



