Some Hints on Parrot-Keeping.



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anyone to keep a Macaw unless it can be given plenty of liberty in

or out of doors, or proper aviary accommodation.


Parrot-keeping in aviaries is, as I have said before, the most

satisfactory and the most remunerative of the three methods. Not

only do the birds usually appear happier and in more perfect

plumage than when confined in cages, but there is also a fair chance

of successful breeding, and a prolific pair of some rare species may

constitute a substantial pecuniary asset to their fortunate owner.


The size of the aviary must, of course, depend upon the

money and space available. As a general rule the larger it is the

better the birds will thrive, but it must not be forgotten that more

satisfactory results are usually obtained when each pair have a

comparatively small compartment to themselves than when the

whole stock is kept together in one large flight. At the same time,

if the species and individuals are carefully chosen (never forget that

with birds as with humans “ extremes meet,” and that while near

relatives may quarrel, distant ones may agree), two, and even three,

pairs may be kept together and rear their young in perfect harmony.

The great secret is to select birds differing considerably in size, and

to make sure that the larger, while being masters of the smaller, are

yet of a gentle disposition and not given to meddling in their

neighbours’ affairs. As an additional precaution the nest boxes

should be provided with entrance holes of different sizes, for parrots,

as a general rule, instinctively select breeding quarters with the

smallest entrances capable of admitting their bodies. A nest box or

barrel should be fixed high—close against the roof, if possible—for

a sitting bird dislikes having her neighbours constantly alighting on

the roof of her home. The bottom should be concave and covered

with a layer of soft decayed wood or sawdust, and the entrance should

be only an inch or two above the level of the floor, otherwise the

young may find difficulty in making their exit.


In building an aviary the materials used must bear some

relation to the destructive powers of the birds which it is intended

to introduce. Ordinary wire netting and stout woodwork will

confine most Platycercince and Polytelis Parrakeets, the smaller

Palceornidce , Lories and Lorikeets, Lovebirds, Kings and Crimson-

wings. Conures, Quaker Parrakeets, and the smaller parrots



