Post Mortem Examinations.



145



Canal-bank aviary at the Zoological Gardens partake freely of the meat

that is supplied to the Crows etc., and are none the worse for it. On the

other hand one meets with Parrots, fed strictly in the orthodox fashion,

which have developed the practically incurable habit of feather - eating.

We believe that the majority of cases of feather-eating in Parrots result

primarily from want of occupation, though doubtless over-stimulating food

is partly responsible in certain cases. Meat is probably bad for Parrots that

are allowed no more exercise than they can obtain in the ordinary Parrots’"

cage, but whether a little occasionally is bad for Parrots which are allowed

a fair amount of exercise seems to us very doubtful.— Ed.].



POST MORTEM EXAMINATIONS.



RULES.


Each bird must be forwarded, as soon after death as possible, carefully packed and postage

paid, direct to Mr. Arthur Gill, M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Establishment, Bexley Heath,

Kent, and must be accompanied by a letter containing the fullest particulars of

the case. Domestic poultry, pigeons, and Canaries cannot be dealt with. If a reply

by post is required a fee of 2/6 must be enclosed.



Two Crossbh.es (Mr. Clias. Rothera). [The first bird died of meningitis

caused indirectly from the injury received at base of upper mandible.

The bone was necrosed, and the disease had extended to the membrane

on the inside of skull and to that covering the brain. The latter was

much inflamed. The second bird died of apoplexy].


Cock Bueefinch (Mr. N. S. O’Reilly). Been in aviary since 1902 and has,

since that time, enjoyed good health until one morning was found dead.

[The bird died of apoplexy. I should be inclined to reduce the

quantity of hemp].


Diamond Sparrow (Mr. T. N. Wilson). [Your bird died of pneumonia.

It was unwise to turn it out again after recovery from first attack at

this time of the year. Many birds will husk the seed, as you mention,

and apparently have no appetite to swallow it. There was no affection

of oesophagus to prevent her doing so].


Cordon Bleu and Beue Robin (The Lady Dunleath). Cordon Blen

found dead. Was caged with a Bulbul, Scarlet Tauager etc. [The

Cordon Bleu died of concussion of brain, and I should be inclined to

suspect the Bulbul. Blue Robin died of apoplexy. These birds are

usually very tame. I once had some dozen pairs, and it was a sight not

easily forgotten when they would fly round one for mealworms. I

think too many mealworms are likely to produce this complaint].


Cock Barnard Parrakeet (The Rev. R. H. Wilmot). Found dead.

Kept with a lieu and cocks of Enpatrius and Rosa and Californian

Quails. [Concussion of brain caused by direct injury. I should watch,

the Quails],


Goeden Oriokk (Mr. W. H. St. Quintin). [Answered by post; thanks for

P. O. 2/6].



