Some Practical Remarks on Practical Aviculture. 119



one, and I certainly have yet to construct it. It is no concern of

mine to give plans or elevations of aviaries here, but I wish to draw

attention to certain obvious defects of my own. I have, I believe,

what one may call twelve or fifteen aviaries, bird rooms, and so

forth. Only one has a brick floor and is brick built as regards the

shelter. It is quite unheated. It is lofty, well ventilated and well

lighted. Moreover, it has an east window, and I take it that in the

dreary half-lit days of winter, the early morning sun must bring

cheer to the hearts of our feathered pets. I should like to have an

east window in every aviary of mine. For it is in the winter our

birds require most thought, for in the summer birds will do anywhere.

My east window is double and measures three feet square. It is on

a level with the main perching accommodation, and I put the food

quite close to the window so that birds may get food as soon as

dawn has arrived. The double window is to prevent too rapid

irradation of heat. The air space between acts as a non-conductor

and so prevents the draught that is inevitable even with a closed

and perfectly fitting window. I have all my shelters whitewashed.

It is lighter, cleaner, and shows the dirt, besides which the whiting

is good for the birds. In this aviary there is a good sized door above

which I have had a glass door fitted which opens inwards. This is

the main entrance for the birds and can be easily closed from the

outside by a piece of string without the aid of pulleys or other

devices. The frame of the door is between the birds’ entrance and

the door itself and birds are very fond of alighting on that before

they make up their minds where they want to go, either on going in

or out. Then this ledge is well protected from rain and I put sop or

soft food on it during bad weather, for to move the food from right

outside to right inside might cause a bird to die from being unable

to find it. The door itself I have cut in half and had the upper

part glazed for purposes of light. By having the door cut in half I

can get in and out in severe weather without letting the birds out.

It is not much of a stoop this 3ft. 6in. and I have never had a bird

get past me yet. All the doors open inwards, you can push your

way in and fill up the space with your body.


In this aviary, I can and do drive in my birds every evening

at sunset, or earlier if necessary during the winter. It takes three



