i6o BIRDS 



Few parrots will bathe, but should be allowed to if they 

 will. Otherwise the plumage should occasionally be sprayed 

 with tepid water. \ 



There is a curious superstition existent among parrot- 

 keepers, to the effect that these birds not only require no 

 water, but are better off without it. The foundation for 

 this absurd belief is not hard to find. When parrots, par- 

 ticularly young birds, are being brought froni (the tropics, 

 they are customarily fed on boiled corn or bread and milk. 

 What moisture they require is obtained from the food. If 

 such birds are suddenly given access to unlimited water, the 

 effect on the digestive organs is dangerous, and may result 

 in the death of the bird. On the other hand, if the parrot 

 be given a drink daily, and then the water be removed for 

 a short period, the bird will gradually become accustomed 

 to it. Once this is accomplished, there is nothing to fear 

 from clean water. 



Parrots of two types of disposition are seen in the New 

 York bird market. There are wild, vicious individuals, 

 caught while adult and almost untamable. Such birds should 

 be avoided, no matter how low the price may be. The ma- 

 jority of arrivals, however, are young, tame, hand-reared 

 birds, very gentle and affectionate. A bird of this sort 

 makes an interesting, clever pet, and if it is of one of the 

 better-talking species, will learn quickly. , 



These young parrots, as already stated, generally are 

 brought to New York on softened food. It is necessary, 

 therefore, to continue this diet for a time, bringing the bird 

 to hard seed little by little. The same course is necessary 

 with the drinking water. 



Teaching a parrot to talk is not the difficult matter it com- 

 monly is supposed to be. If the bird is young and tame, it 

 will learn very quickly. It should be confined by itself, 

 beyond the sight and sound of others, and its cage some- 



