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Some Experiences of King Pcirrakeets.



companions, for he has left them almost entirely and spends his

time in the company of a cock Rosella with whom, for some reason,

he has struck up a warm bachelor friendship.


In conclusion, I may perhaps give a word of warning to

intending purchasers of King Parrakeets. As I have already said

these birds are extremely liable to contract septic fever, therefore

never get one which is thin or weak, it will only die and may infect

your other stock. Be very careful also to examine the birds’ eyes,

and if they are dull or watery, have nothing to do with it. Kings

are subject to one or two diseases of the eye, which almost invariably

end in loss of sight, one form being characterized by a dilation of

the cornea, another by a revelling of the eyelid, and, eventually,

complete closing of the eyes; and these diseases are never developed

by birds kept in clean healthy surroundings, but are started in the

filthy travelling boxes and stock cages to which so many dealers

consign their unfortunate stock.


If obtained in good condition, however, the King is easily

kept, especially in an outdoor aviary. Wheat, oats, canary seed

and a little hemp, with fruit, dandelion, lettuce, etc. being all that

it requires in the way of food. When at liberty, Kings take a

certain amount of insects and I have even seen mine eating lob¬

worms and dead (very dead ) mice ; but in captivity such extras are

quite unnecessary and might prove harmful.


As an occupant of a mixed aviary a King does not shine,

being of a bullying disposition and fond of attacking smaller and

weaker birds. He is, however, very often a bit of a coward as well.

Contrary to the popular belief, bullies—human or avian—are gener¬

ally very courageous, but the King is an exception. On more than

one occasion I have seen my old bird put to ignominious flight by a

small hen Pennant, who was about the only other parrakeet who

ever attempted to stand up to him. Moreover, while he enjoys

nothing' better than looking on at one of the indiscriminate melees

in which the members of the broadtail family love to indulge

during the winter months, he always takes good care to keep on the

outskirts of the fray and cheer on the combatants from a respectful

distance.



