i8 CANARIES 



substitutes, and these should be fixed on brackets. Swing- 

 ing perches may be fixed from the ceiling, and fixed 

 perches from the walls. 



Nest Boxes and Pans. 



Nest boxes and pans may be fixed on brackets attached 

 to the walls, or if shrubs or trees are used in the aviary 

 they may be fixed amongst the branches. If shrubs and 

 trees are used they should be firmly fixed in large pots 

 or tubs. They add to the attractiveness of the aviary, but 

 I cannot say that they assist in keeping it in a sanitary 

 condition. As wherever they are placed there is a difficulty 

 in keeping the place clean. Personally I consider it 

 much the best plan to have perches in the inner com- 

 partment of the aviary, and then if you wish to have shrubs 

 or trees plant them in the outside flight. 



It must not be forgotten that canaries are very clean 

 little creatures, and delight in the pleasures of the bath. 

 The best form of bath for an avairy is one made of zinc. 

 It should be about fifteen inches long, twelve wide, and 

 two inches deep. Round the sides there should be a 

 flange about one inch wide — it will add immensely to the 

 pleasures of the birds. When the bath is given to the 

 birds, it should be just a trifle more than half filled with 

 water. 



Ventilation Must be Effective. 



An aviary of this character should be fitted Mith 

 sliding ventilators at either end. What are known as 

 stable ventilators are the best for the purpose. These 

 may be kept open at night when it is necessary for the 

 door and window to be closed. It must ever be remembered 

 that fresh air is most essential to the welfare of canaries, 

 bat they must have ventilation without draughts. If 

 these sliding ventilators are fixed well up towards the 

 roof at either end of the aviary they can be open at all 

 times without fear of draughts coming near the birds, 

 because all perches would be below their level, and the 

 current of air sweetening the aviary would pass over the 

 heads of the birds. In the daytime when the window 

 is open there is no draught because it faces the wall on 

 the opposite side of the room. In the height of summer 



