Aviary Notes.



35



The best guide as to condition seems to me to be the eyes. If

they are at all sunken reject the birds, but if they are bright and full,

even though the plumage may be defective, it is usually pretty safe

to take them, as with reasonable care for the first few weeks they

will soon be in the pink of condition. Even with the Cinereous

Waxbill, which is usually considered very delicate, I found no

difficulty. Perhaps, however, I should not say much on this point

as I have had only one pair, but they lived in my aviary for a good

many years. One of them escaped twice, and on one occasion was

at large for two days, but he kept in the immediate neighbourhood

and seemed very pleased when I was able to get him into the aviary

once more. That is one of the most striking characteristics of

these little feathered mites, their great contentment with their

■captivity.


Of other birds I have kept there is not much to say. Zebra

Finches have always been short-lived. This may not be the general

experience but it has always been mine. Gouldians and Ruficaudas

are delightful birds, but at present I have only a cock bird of the

latter left, and with their current high prices am not likely to

replace them. Ribbon Finches are somewhat dull and clumsy and

a bit of a nuisance with the other small birds.


As regards accommodation, I have a cage of the Crystal

Palace variety indoors, principally used for wintering the small

birds, an outdoor aviary with flight 16ft. by 8ft. and indoor shelter

4ft. by 8ft. and part of my 18ft. greenhouse wired off. The last

named appears to suit the Waxbills very well and they do no

appreciable harm to the plants growing there.


I am aware that there is no matter of great interest in

these personal notes, but they are written in the hope that they

will be the means of bringing some of our retiring members

forward, as after all it is the sum of the little experiences which

make up the total of general knowledge, and it is only by gathering

together the general concensus of opinion that we can arrive at definite

results. Will some members who have been successful breeders

of Waxbills now come forward and give us of their wisdom ?

I venture to think that I shall not be the only reader interested.



