214 BIRDS 



effect. As a last resort, wrap the bird carefully in a soft 

 cloth and place it in a position where a uniformly high tem- 

 perature is maintained. This method is applicable to all 

 birds in cases of egg binding. 



An egg generally is laid each successive day, until from 

 three to six have been deposited, four being the most usual 

 number. Most breeders remove the eggs, as laid, using a 

 spoon for the purpose. If this is not done they not only 

 serve as a temptation to cocks inclined to egg-eating, but 

 are more or less incubated as each successive addition is 

 made. The consequence is that some hatch several days 

 before the others, the first young birds being so much larger 

 than the later ones that the little fellows have a poor chance 

 of survival. The hen will indicate the completion of her 

 clutch by sitting tightly when the last egg is laid and then 

 the others may be returned to the nest. At this time the egg 

 food should be given only occasionally, as during incuba- 

 tion the food should not be too stimulating. The hen will 

 leave the nest now and then to take a bite or two and take a 

 bit of exercise, but most of her food is supplied by the cock, 

 which feeds her constantly while she is sitting. 



In case it is necessary, for any reason, to remove the male, 

 the female may generally be relied upon to hatch and rear 

 the young unassisted. 



Incubation lasts for thirteen days, and if the eggs have 

 been removed as laid the chicks all should emerge at about 

 the same time. After two or three days the nest should be 

 examined, and any eggs which have failed to hatch removed. 



Egg food with a little poppy seed must now be furnished 

 constantly, and the seed and water dishes kept well supplied. 



Canaries feed the young by regurgitation, both seed and 

 egg food being given. In all cases it is imperative that 

 the food be clean and untainted. Green food, if fresh, 

 should be given in moderate quantity daily. 



