140



THE SHAMA.


Sir,—I am anxious to try a Shama, but, before doing so, would like

to know, ist, if I could successfully keep one in a large cage in the kitchen ;

2nd, whether they are delicate, and what food it would require; 3rd, would

it be likely to sing and become tame under the above conditions ?


I have read Mr. Phillipps’ account; he says, “Put them in a garden

aviary,” Sec .; but I regret I have no garden aviary.


As they are rather expensive, I should like any other information you

could give. Charges Speed.


The following reply was sent to Mr. Speed —


Mr. Bonhote has asked me to answer your letter.


A Shama may be kept successfully in a large cage, but it should be a

box cage if possible. Nevertheless the cage should be its home, not its

prison.


A kitchen, as a rule, is a very bad place to keep any bird in; but

there are kitchens and kitchens. A11 ordinary living room, with a fire

during the day in cold weather, will do fairly well, but fully three-fourths

of the cage should be warmly covered at night; and he should be removed

from the room, in cold weather I mean, when the window is opened. In

warm weather, the more fresh air he has the better; but draughts should

be carefully avoided.


For a foreign insectivorous bird, the Shama is not delicate; but

neither can it endure much cold. A little half-open box or shelf, with hay,

in a sheltered corner of the cage (if the latter be large enough) is often a

great help in cold weather.


It is an insectivorous bird, and must be fed accordingly. I will not be

so rash as to suggest which of the many foods recommended in our

Magazine may be the most suitable : — but beware of too many perfectly dry

ants’ cocoons! In addition to the food, which, with clean water, in clean

non-metallic receptacles, should be always present inside the cage, give as.

many spiders and small insects as possible. Unpoisoned cockroaches will

do famously. Place the trap (the “ demon ” is the best) on the floor, open

the cage door, and the Shama will quickly learn to help himself. With a

mealworm, he can be easily enticed back into his cage.


If } r ou cannot obtain insects, carefully scrape a little cooked mutton,

and mix it with the ordinary insectivorous food. Avoid anything doughy

or indigestible, or your bird may have a fit. Also avoid gentles and wasp-

grubs; and mealworms should be given sparingly—as a treat. If he should

look lumpy, add some fluid magnesia to the drinking water. Let him

bathe regular^.


If you understand birds, the male Shama will join you at meals, eat

off your plate, follow you about the house (mind the windows), become as

tame and impudent as ever you like, and will make a really charming

pet. The males sing freely, and may be taught to whistle tunes correctly;

but most of those which reach this country have been hand-reared, and

then the song is often poor and monotonous.


Let him have plenty of exercise, clean water, and plain food, do not

over-expose him to cold, and he may live a dozen years and more.


Reginald Phillipps.



