210



The Marquis of Tavistock,



require rather stronger netting, and no unprotected woodwork will

long resist their attacks. Large Parrots, Cockatoos and Macaws

can only be kept in by something of the same nature as the metal¬

work which covers the large flight cages at the Zoological Gardens.

The young of certain species of Parrakeets are very apt, on first

leaving the nest, to dash themselves violently against the sides of

the aviary and sustain fatal injuries. It is therefore advisable to

cover, the end at any rate, of a long wire flight with sacking when a

valuable brood is expected to make its appearance.


When Pinches and other small birds are kept in the same

aviary with Parrots, it is advisable to protect the roosting and nesting

quarters of the former with large-mesh wire netting through which

they alone are able to pass. In the open they can, unless very

young, keep out of the way of danger, and it is when asleep or

cornered in a nest-box that they are likely to be caught and injured.

Not all parrots, however, can be trusted in mixed company even

with these precautions. Blue-bonnets and Lovebirds are impossible

neighbours for anything weaker than themselves, and I, personally,

would never trust Conures, Caiques, Lorikeets, Brotogerys Parrakeets

or Budgerigars, though amiable individuals do sometimes occur even

among the most mischievous and aggressive species.


No portion of the interior of a Parrot aviary should ever be

painted or varnished or the most disastrous results will be sure to

follow. Parrots are extraordinarily sensitive to mineral poisons, and

I have found to my cost that Australian Parrakeets, which can stuff

themselves with laburnum seeds and yew buds with absolute

impunity, will die in convulsions within a few hours of nibbling

fragments of painted wood.


Where the aviary consists of an inside shelter and an outside

flight, the former must be absolutely free from draughts. It is best

to arrange for all ventilation to come from the front only. I dislike

top ventilation as it nearly always produces a continued upward

current of air, which draws in from the door and, striking the birds

underneath, is very likely to cause enteritis.


If artificial heat is provided it is very important to secure an

even temperature irrespective of outdoor weather conditions. This

is by no means easy to arrive at, and I have always obtained far



