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Practical Bird-Keeping.



I feed them on worms and maggots for the first few days, then

mix chopped worms and maggots amongst the artificial food so

that the birds get use to the latter gradually, and in the course of

a week or so are ready to turn out into the Waders aviary with

old established birds.


As to food for small Waders when established, I give in

the morning bread and milk with small pieces of raw meat

amongst it. In the afternoon the food is Victoria poultry meal

with shrimps softened in boiling water and chopped small , or

mussels according to season. I also have some dari or millet

thrown down on the sand, and some birds (especially Knots) are

very fond of this. Boiled rice is also very good. My Whimbrel,

glossy Ibis, and some Rails, which live in another enclosure,

have for years kept in splendid health on an exclusive diet of

boiled rice and raw meat mixed. It is good to keep fresh water

shrimps, water snails, etc., in water to which small Waders have

access, as even if the birds only get a few of these the constant

search to which they are tempted is good for their health.

Indeed, there is very soon a material difference in health between

those birds who are constantly employed searching for food and

those that have no incentive to do this.


A great trouble with newly-caught Waders is to get then*

to moult properly. Good general health, of course, induces this,

but I am satisfied that hot sun and warmth are advantageous,,

and indeed are a material factor in the case. Some of my birds

this spring have assumed better breeding plumage than ever

before and I quite think this is due to the abnormally hot

summer last year.


If birds arrive with clipped wings (as they often do) it is

well to presently pull out the feathers that have been cut, other¬

wise these feathers will not moult properly. Care, however,,

should be taken not to pull out many feathers whilst birds are in

a weak state.


As to the different kinds of birds to keep—the bird of all

others for the beginner is the Arctic Knot. They are cheerful

and in good feather under almost all conditions and their quaint

croaking cry is a pleasant reminder of the sea shore. Next to

these should come Ruffs and Reeves. The antics of the former



