214



The Marquis op Tavistock,



A certain amount of trouble is often caused by fighting, and it is an

unfortunate fact that where both assailant and victim are unable to

fly, the latter for some reason has usually great difficulty in making

its escape. The only plan is to shut up the worst offenders—usually

old cocks in breeding condition—until such time as their mates, if

they have any, are able to fly, when they may be allowed to join

them without much risk of straying.


Very tame Amazon Parrots and Macaws can generally be

allowed the full use of their wings from the first; but it is desirable

that they should become thoroughly familiar with their surroundings

before being released, and it is also well to allow them a little

preliminary flying practice in an aviary or large room. It some¬

times happens that Parrots which have been long confined in cages

are very clumsy and erratic in their flight during the first few days

of their unaccustomed liberty, and having settled in a tall tree they

will starve for many hours before they can summon up courage to

attempt a descent to the ground. Lovebirds should also be released

full-winged after having been kept for some weeks in an aviary

containing a feeding tray of the same appearance as those they

will find outside. They behave like small Finches similarly treated,

and seldom give trouble by straying on the day they receive full

liberty. In dealing' with Cockatoos, Lorikeets and certain Parra-

keets, it is sometimes safe in the case of mated pairs more or less in

breeding condition to allow the male bird to fly, and some weeks

later, when he has become thoroughly familiar with his surroundings,

to permit his wife to join him. In following this plan it is of vital

importance that the hen should remain in full view of her mate

when he first goes out, and it is most risky to attempt it unless the

mutual affection of the two birds is obviously very great indeed.


When new arrivals will find other individuals of their own

species already at liberty the necessity for wing-cutting may or may

not exist, and will depend on circumstances. In the case of sociable

and highly gregarious kinds the strangers may usually be expected

to join their companions at liberty and give no trouble, especially if

they are released one at a time. On the other hand, in dealing with

birds not particularly sociable and gregarious, considerable care

must be taken, or losses will be sure to follow. Let us take the



