Parrots Birds 
fruit, preferably bananas, oranges, cherries and 
apples, should be given occasionally. A fresh twig 
should be given the parrot to nibble. A bit of 
cuttle-fish bone is acceptable, and sand should be 
scattered on the bottom of the cage. A little red 
pepper added to its food will often cure the ailing 
parrot. The bird should be kept out of the dining 
room, and it should not be fed from the family table. 
It should not be fed fish, or bread soaked in milk; 
this food is too heating, and causes it to pluck out its 
feathers. Lettuce may be fed, but parsley and 
chickweed never should be given, and on no account 
should bones, meat or grease be given. Baked pea- 
nuts have a tendency to keep the bowels from be- 
coming too relaxed. Some advise hazel nuts, 
almonds and walnuts; others maintain only peanuts 
should be allowed. The individual tastes of the 
bird should be considered, and it should be given 
what it most relishes. 
CARE 
Water should be given two or three times a day, 
and after the bird has taken its drink the drinking 
dish should be removed. Some authorities say 
neither coffee or tea should be allowed. Others 
advise the giving of clear, black coffee if water 
causes diarrhoea. 
If the parrot wishes to take a bath, it should be 
given opportunity preferably outside of its cage, 
since it is a great splasher. The gray parrot prefers 
to roll in the dust rather than to bathe, and should 
be given a tray filled with fine dust for that purpose. 
The dishes for the food must be kept very clean, 
and often scalded. No remnants of food should be 
allowed in the cage the day after it is given. 
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