Birds The Bluejay 
great number of other birds that hasten to the aid 
of the supposed victim. 
But when nesting time comes, the last of April or 
early May, the whole character of the jay changes. 
It suddenly becomes the quietest and shyest of birds 
and no longer screams or associates with its fellows. 
Each pair finds a secluded spot and builds in a tree- 
crotch, from ten to twenty feet from the ground, a 
rather bulky nest of twigs, firmly interwoven, and 
lined with soft rootlets. In this well protected nest 
from four to six brownish or olive cinnamon-spotted 
eggs are laid. The devoted parents seem to have 
lost their voices, and talk in whispers, or mew softly 
to each other, like little ‘pussy cats’. Not until 
the youngsters are able to leave the nest do the par- 
ents resume their noisy social habits. 
HOUSE 
A pet jay should not be kept in a cage. It is like- 
ly not to live when thus confined, unless the cage be 
as large as a small room. It should be given the 
freedom of the premises where it can get into mis- 
chief and be happy. 
FOOD 
The jay is a general feeder. When young, and 
taken from the nest, it should be fed on bread and 
milk, hard-boiled eggs minced, and a little chopped 
raw meat should be given each day, with whatever 
insects may be found. When older, the bird will 
thrive on nuts, green peas, fruit, large insects and 
mice. In case there are no insects, give the bird a 
bone with a little meat on it, and let him pick it as 
entertainment. A bluejay always enjoys his food 
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