83



Correspondence , Notes, etc.



MARKING RINGS FOR PARRAKEETS, &c.


Sir, —I think a word of warning as to the danger of ringing Cocka-

tiels with the ordinary metal ring (that is opened to clasp the leg and then

closed again) may be of use. I have met with three cases in which the

birds had accidentally pulled at the ring until they had caused one end

to overlap and in some way had got them so tight as to cause a serious

injury and much suffering. In one case the leg was cut to the bone, and it

was with very great difficulty I got the ring off. It was so embedded

in the flesh that I had to snip it off bit by bit with a strong pair of

nail scissors. In a second bird the tight pressure had turned the foot

quite dark coloured; and, in the third bird, the ring had in some way been

worked over the hind toe (which was almost cut in two) as well as the leg.


The birds must have done it themselves out of pure mischief, as, in

the case of my Doves, the rings stay on for years without in any way

injuring the birds or causing them discomfort. It is really necessary in

some way to mark young birds, and if any member can tell me of a safe

ring for Cockatiels, etc., I shall be very grateful.


Rosie Alderson.


DOVES EATING WORMS, &c.


Sir, —In reference to Dr. Butler’s query in the October No. of the

Magazine as to whether it is the hen alone of the Columbce which feeds on

insects and worms, I have found that both sexes enjoyed a little change in

this way from their seed diet.


My Bleeding-hearts eat both mealworms and small earthworms, and

the White-fronted or Violet Doves, and also a Necklace Dove enjoy a few

mealworms now and then. I have about twenty kinds of Doves, and I find

that ground biscuit (fancy lunch) and ground peanuts are very helpful for

keeping the birds in health. It is quite amusing to see how the Doves

are on the look out for their biscuit and nut each morning. I keep each

article in a separate vessel, and the nuts especially are much appreciated.

The fact that it is very seldom indeed that I lose an adult Dove proves, I

think, that the diet suits them ; and not only this but they never seem ill

and always look in good condition with their feathers “ tight” and glossy.


I have not found my three Tambourine Doves very interesting so far.

They are beautiful little birds, two cocks and one hen. They spend nearly

all their time in the shelter, but come out sometimes into the flight

towards evening. They greatly enjoy sitting out in a heavy shower of rain.

These Doves have never nested with me, though I now and then hear the

cocks cooing, and once I saw one carrying a twig in its beak.


The ground nut is sold by Messrs. Armitage, Seed Merchants, Castle

Gate, Nottingham, in two sizes. The largest size (sifted) is the best for Doves.


Rosie Aederson.



