120 CANARIES 



Millet Seed. 



I never use this in bulk. It contains such a small 

 percentage of nourishment as to be absolutely useless 

 to the canary breeder. Spray millet is useful for hanging in 

 aviaries. It gives the birds something to amuse them- 

 selves with, and thus often acts as a preventive of can- 

 nibalism, i.e., feather plucking. Millet seed boiled in 

 milk is sometimes given as a special pick-me-up or restora- 

 tive to birds that are off song. 



Maw or Poppy Seed. 



Here we have a seed that I am particularly well disposed 

 towards. It acts in many ways for the benefit of the birds. 

 It is very nourishing and comforting, being rich in oil. Its 

 medicinal properties are also very great, so much so 

 that it will often cure diarrhoea without the aid of any 

 drug. If a bird is a bit off feed, maw seed will invariably 

 bring it on again. I have derived so much benefit and 

 advantage from the use of maw seed that I unhesitatingly 

 advise all canary breeders never to be without it. In 

 addition to its other properties it is, in my opinion, a 

 great and valuable aid in conditioning birds. 



Inga Seed. 



This is a most useful and valuable seed, but it must be 

 used sparingly and with discretion. It is sold under 

 various titles, but by whatever name it is called, whether 

 inga, niga, niger, or nigra, it is one and the same seed, 

 and a grand one too. I have used during the winter and 

 spring months immense quantities. Some fanciers only use 

 it during the breeding season ; I use it all the year round 

 especially amongst the show birds. Some breeders only 

 feed their hens on it ; I let my cocks have it as well. 

 I have had most beneficial results from its use at all times 

 and all seasons ; also with old birds, both cocks and hens, 

 and the youngsters as well, but, as I have said, it must 

 be used with discretion. Birds kept in small cages, or 

 birds with a predisposition to put on fat must not be 

 allowed much, but strong, healthy birds that take plenty 

 of exercise may be given a supply twice or thrice a week 

 regularly. 



