23



such a position that mice cannot possibly reach them. The floor should be

covered with sand or grit to the depth of an inch.


The perches in both the inner and outer aviaries should be natural

boughs of trees of varying thickness, as the aviarist will most likely have

birds of many different sizes ; and small birds cannot very well perch on

very thick perches, and vice versa.


Now, having in these few suggestions dealt with the structure and

fittings of an out-door aviary, I must leave the description of suitable

inmates and their treatment until some other time, as I have already taken

up too much space



OUR BIRD-ROOMS AND AVIARIES.


II.


MY BIRD-ROOM.


By H. T. T. Camps, F.Z.S.


I do not propose to write a long article on aviaries in general, but to

limit myself to the above heading : “my bird-room,” such as most bird lovers

have, even though it may be the upper storey of the house in some instances.

But I have a preference for a bird-room on the ground floor. If the owner,

be not competent to erect the building himself, a joiner will do the work

more quickly and with a better finish, although I have seen both aviaries

and bird-rooms built by the amateur’s own hands, that have answered all

the requirements necessary for the comfort of the inmates. Technically

speaking, I have had no practice in carpentry, if I had I should not hesitate

to erect niv own, but being under this disadvantage I have had to resort to

the tradesman.


My small garden aviary was not an expensive item, as nearly two thirds

of the building is composed of wire netting and a small portion of wood for

framework, the other portion is closed in and double boarded, thus affording

a snug retreat during the inclement weather; the floor of this is boarded,

and can be easily cleaned after the birds have been driven into the wired

portion. I use coarse gravel for the floors, and I find it necessary to rake it

over every morning, and at the end of each week have it removed, and

replaced by fresh. This necessarily is attended with some trouble, but the

trouble is repaid in the end, as the birds are kept healthy, and free

from disease. The seed hoppers I hang from the roof, and do the

same with the drinking vessels, which I find scarcely ever get polluted by

the droppings, as is frequently the case if placed at the bottom or sides of

the aviary. I have kept Budgerigars, Cockatiels, and Javas, and with such

species the amateur is generally successful, if only he goes the right w r ay to

business. It is unnecessary for me to go into details, in describing the

method of treating these birds, as there are so many good ornithological

works available, that the beginner can scarcely go wrong ; nevertheless,

practical experience is the great school. But, undoubtedly, the above species

are amongst the most easily kept, being hardy, and generally prolific

breeders, and are sure to give pleasure, with remuneration, for the trouble

bestowed. The size of this aviary is as follows : length, 18 feet; width,

io feet; height, 8 feet. I should have said that it is a lean-to building, built

against the garden wall, having a lull southern aspect, as all aviaries should

have.


Now, to return to my text, I will deal with my bird-room, where birds

are confined in cages. For such treatment, many undoubtedly will condemn

my system, as it will appear to be an imitation of the Parrot House at the

Zoological Gardens, L,° 11( lon. But, in this room, the occupants are Macaws,

Parrots, Parrakeets and Cockatoos, and for such specimens as these several

aviaries would be required. For the first and last-named species, something

composed of wrought-iron would be necessary. I have experimented a

little with these birds in an out door aviary, and the result has been that con¬

siderable damage has been done. Some yearsago, IturuedoutapairofGoffin’s



