GENERAL CARE 77 



from neglect, or during the molting season, that they are 

 likely to be attacked. . 



Birds respond readily to treatment, and slight ailments 

 may frequently be relieved. On the other hand, when really 

 seriously ill, medicines are of little avail. There is much 

 charlatanry practised in such matters, many persons secur- 

 ing their livelihood by claiming to be able to cure dis- 

 eased birds, or by the sale of so-called curative preparations 

 which are not of the slightest value. 



In treating a sick bird, a most important ally is heat. 

 Sustained, even warmth, with entire protection from 

 draught, will save many an ailing specimen. 



For the mild colds and diarrhoeas to which cage birds 

 are prone, nothing is better than a few drops of blackberry 

 brandy in the drinking water. In cases of known constipa- 

 tion, a mild dose of Epsom salts in the water, or a drop or 

 two of castor oil, carefully administered, will bring relief. 

 These are the standard remedies of the bird room, and 

 when their use is no longer of avail the aviculturist may 

 be prepared for trouble. 



Incorrect feeding is at the bottom of many cases of ill- 

 ness. Seed-eaters are likely to become over-fat and soft- 

 bills frequently become run down from lack of sufficient 

 insect food. A reduction of food and a drop of oil in the 

 first instance, and a few good meals of living insects in the 

 latter, will work wonders. 



Many birds, canaries in particular, become aiifected with 

 chronic asthma. Over-fat birds sometimes exhibit symp- 

 toms simulating those of asthma, but these quickly dis- 

 appear when treated as described above. True asthma is 

 incurable by any means so far devised, though no avian 

 affliction is more profitable to hucksters of cure-alls. Two 

 or three drops of glycerine in the drinking water, for sev- 

 eral days in succession, followed by an upbuilding of the 



