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TREATMENT OF NEWLY-IMPORTED

FOREIGN BIRDS.


By A. Savage.


A critical period of a foreign cage - bird’s life is,

undoubtedly, the first month after its arrival from its native

country. Many have had anything but “ a pleasant trip over

the state in which they arrive shows it—and nearly all are at

least much fatigued by the journey, and require special care the

first few weeks they are in the hands of their owner, more so if

rare or valuable birds. It frequently happens that a bird, which

seemed in good health when in its cage at the dealer’s, goes

wrong shortly after it conies into the possession of the purchaser.

One gentlemen told me, not long ago, when speaking on this

point, “ they come to me to die.” It is a great mistake to take a

newly-arrived bird home and turn it out immediately into a large

aviary containing other birds, especially if an outdoor one and

the weather is bad—but this, it is to be feared, is often done. A

new arrival requires rest and quietness and, nearly always, a

little nursing. In a large aviary with other birds it cannot get

this, consequently, cage-life, alone , for the first few weeks is

necessary. A bird in a cage can be closely watched and treat¬

ment given as soon as it seems to be going the wrong way. The

complaints a newly-imported bird most frequently suffers from

are, probably stomach, bowel and lung disorders, and if it is in

this way afflicted, and not properly looked after, it soon goes over

to the great majority. Symptoms of these ailments— a glassy e3^e

ruffled feathers, drowsiness and panting—“ beating time, as it

were, with its wings and tail, to its breathing.” We have a

preparation, on this side of the Channel for stomach and bowel

disorders, which has rendered me good service on more than one

occasion, viz. : gentian, cinnamon, anise, and ginger, all in

powders, mixed in equal parts (say, {oz. each) and a pinch

dusted over the seed given to the bird every morning, till it is

better. For lung complaints, I generally give Tibbs’ Canaradyne.

{This is not intended as an advertisement—other preparations

may be good, but I have found the one mentioned very useful).


For over twelve months I had a fine cock Rufous-tail

Finch without a mate, and, a few months ago, saw a cock and

two hens in a bird-shop. I purchased the odd hen ; she appeared

in good condition, but I put her, nevertheless, into a small indoor

aviary with the cock. In less than a week, the glassy eye became

visible, ruffled feathers were to be seen, and the “ beating time”



