Diseases. 



71 



but great care must be exercised, so as not to probe it 

 roughly. The matter should then be gently squeezed out, 

 and the part afterwards anointed with marsh-mallow or 

 spermaceti ointment. 



Patrin(i Fever. — In the spring, or early summer, cage birds 

 in vigorous health naturally desire to follow the instincts of 

 their nature, and procure a mate. If they cannot do this, 

 they are liable to become restless and melancholy, and cease 

 to sing ; or they may gradually grow negligent, inert, and 

 spiritless and their feathers become rough. In some cases 

 they have even been known to sit moping about the cage, 

 till they literally pined away and died. The best and most 

 effectual remedy in such cases is doubtless a mate, for then 

 the sexual desire can be gratified ; but, where this is incon- 

 venient, it is best to hang the bird affected in some place 

 where it will get the morning sun, and where there is bustle 

 and commotion, so that its attention may be kept well 

 cccupied. At such times, feed rather sparingly, and refrain 

 from giving the bird stimulating and exciting food. It is also 

 a good plan to remove the food and water daily for a few 

 hours at a time, as it causes the bird considerable anxiety, 

 and is thus a means of preventing it pondering over its 

 hard lot. 



Parasites. — The majority of birds are more or less 

 troubled with these irksome insects ; their presence can 

 readily be detected by noticing the birds pecking themselves 

 almost constantly, more particularly beneath the wings and 

 about the vent, and by their restlessness at night time, 

 when these bloodsuckers are at the height of their enjoy- 

 ment. One of the best remedies known is to syringe the 

 birds with a mild solution of alum and water, or, what is 

 better than a syringe is a scent spray ; or you may puff 

 them well with Keating's Insect Powder. If the birds are 

 kept in cages, the outsides should be coated over with a 

 solution of sulphate of copper — say loz. of sulphate to each 

 quart of boiling water — which is death to all insects, and an 

 excellent disinfectant as well ; but it is highly poisonous, 

 and must not be used inside the cages. Lay the solution on 

 with a paint-brush or piece of sponge, giving two or three 

 coatings, and let it stand for, say forty-eight hours, when 

 it may be washed off with hot water and common washing 



