AVIARIES, CAGES, AND FITTINGS 33 



Perches are Important. 



Perches are an important item in cage fittings, yet few 

 give the thought to them that they should. Perches 

 should not all be of one size. The perch for Lancashires 

 should be larger than that for Border Fancies, Then 

 again not every bird of the same breed has the same sized 

 foot, and it is wise to fit the perches to the feet. For such 

 birds as Norwich, Cinnamons, Belgians, Scots Fancies, 

 and Yorkshires the perches should be about three-eighths 

 of an inch to half-an-inch wide at the top, and a shade 

 less in depth or thickness, the raw edges of the comers 

 should be rubbed down so that the top portion of the 

 perch is almost oval. Lancashires and Crested Norwich 



Three Types of Perches. 

 No. 1, oval without corners, fails to afford grip for the bird's claws. 

 No. 2, oval with squared corners, and larger than No. 1, gives the 



needed grip, and is the type of perch recommended. 

 No. 3, small, round perch, positively cruel to use. 



having rather larger feet, generally should, if necessary, 

 be given a larger perch. Many breeders of Scots Fancies 

 and Belgians use round perches with corrugated surfaces. 

 I cannot say I admire them. They are not so easily 

 cleansed as the plain ones. It must be remembered that 

 simplicity and ease of cleanliness usually go together 

 not only in perches, but also in other fittings and appliances 

 of the bird room. Simplicity and plainness of structure 

 invariably give the best results. 



Cleanliness Most Essential. 



Cleanliness is most essential to success in the bird-room. 

 The cages should be cleaned out at least once ever}' week, 

 more often, if needed. The perches should be taken out, 

 washed, and the ends dipped in turpentine or paraffin. The 



C 



