CANARIES 209 



is infinitely better, but the brass canary cage is an American 

 institution, which is too firmly estabHshed to be uprooted. 



If the open cage is used, some precautions must be taken 

 as to its position. Sunlight and fresh air are necessary to 

 the health of the bird, but draughts must be avoided, so the 

 cage must not be placed in an open window. Many persons 

 cover the cage at night with a cloth. If the room is 

 draughty, this is really necessary, but ordinarily the bird will 

 be healthier and freer from colds if it is not coddled in this 

 way. 



Canaries are bred in small cages and room for flight 

 is not necessary for their happiness. The individual cage, 

 however, should not be less than twelve inches in each dimen- 

 sion, if the bird is to have space for ordinary exercise. 



The perches should be round and thin to allow the bird to 

 clasp them firmly. Perches of varying thickness offer a 

 welcome change. Perches oval in section are sometimes 

 used, but as a bird's foot is fashioned for automatically 

 grasping a round stick this shape is best suited to its needs. 



The bottom of the cage should be kept sprinkled with 

 clean sand or bird gravel, which may be renewed frequently. 

 Graveled paper is to be had from dealers, but it seems un- 

 jfair to provoke the bird with needed grit which it can 

 secure only after a struggle. A healthy canary will never 

 eat more gravel than its tvelfare demands. 



German birds are fed chiefly on rape seed, with a small 

 admixture of canary. English breeders use canary seed as 

 the base, and add small portions of millet, rape, poppy, etc. 

 Both systems seem to have their merits and can be blended 

 to meet the requirements of canaries of any derivation. 

 In feeding it is important to make certain that the seed is 

 free from dust, and to give a restricted quantity. The great 

 majority of canary ills are the result of over-feeding. 



During the molt, which normally occurs during the late 



