74 



British Cage Birds. 



over-feeding. During this disease, the perspiration is im- 

 peded, the skin becomes covered with an almost imperceptible 

 eruption, and the feathers gradually disappear from the 

 head and neck. An entire change of food, and a fevsr drops 

 of lime-juice added to the bird's drinking-water, will be 

 found the best remedies. The food should be cooling but 

 nutritious. The affected parts should be anointed with 

 goose grease, olive oil, or spermaceti ointment, or a little 

 Goulard's Extract may be applied with a camel-hair brush 

 or a feather, and in a few weeks the new feathers will 

 make their appearance. A little laxative medicine should 

 be given once or twice a week, until the bird recovers. 

 Magnesia or Epsom salts is best, given in the drinking-water. 



Sweating. — Hens, during the period of incubation, occa- 

 sionally sit too closely, and thereby " sweat " their young, 

 which greatly weakens them. To remedy this undesirable 

 practice, try to induce the hen to bathe, and add a small 

 piece pf alum to the water. If she refuses or neglects to do 

 this, you should squirt some water over her when you find 

 her off her young ; but the better plan will be to place some 

 thin pieces of wood or stout wire across the nest, in such a 

 way as to prevent her from getting down upon them too 

 closely ; at the same time, the wires, &c., must be so secured 

 and situated as not to interfere with the young brood. This 

 only need be resorted to for a period of eight or ten days, 

 as after that time the young birds will be strong enough to 

 protect themselves. Sweating not only weakens the chicks, 

 but prevents them becoming fully and properly feathered. 



Swollen Joints. — If a bird, from any cause, injures a leg 

 or foot, and it becomes swollen, immerse the damaged part in 

 tolerably warm water for ten minutes; then dry with a soft 

 rag or old silk handkerchief. If there is a wound, apply 

 some compound tincture of myrrh with a feather until it 

 heals. If the joint is swollen only, continue the warm water 

 daily, and dress with olive oil or goose grease, or any 

 healing cerate. 



Syncope, or Faintness. — This is caused by a diminution 

 or interruption of the action of the heart, and of the func- 

 tion of respiration, and a temporary loss of sensation, &;c. Birds 

 of a nervous temperament, or of weak constitutions, are most 

 liable to be attacked by this serious ailment. A sudden fright 



