Aviaries and Cages. 



33 



two parts with a wired division, the wires being |^th of an 

 inch apart, to permit the parents to feed their offspring from 

 the opposite side, or compartment. This erection or chamber 

 should be supported by two metal brackets, the same as 

 those used for fixing a cornice to a window, and fitted tightly 

 between them and the top of the cage. At the back of the 

 cage should be a hinged door opposite that part where the 

 breeding loft is to be placed, and sufiiciently large to admit of 

 its being got in and out without difficulty, as it is intended 

 to be removed when not in use ; the top, bottom, and front 

 of this compartment should be made of ^in. planed deal. In 

 front (facing inside of cage) it should have two round holes 

 or apertures for ingress and egress of the birds, and two 

 larger holes in the bottom into which to fit the nests, which 

 should be formed of tin, with perforated zinc bottoms, or 

 made of suitable leather having a rim round to prevent 

 them falling through. This chamber can be secured firmly 

 by passing two half inch brass screws through the top of 

 the cage into the wood forming the top of the breeding 

 gallery. It requires no back, as the end of the cage answers 

 that purpose ; at the side next the front of the cage should 

 be fitted in grooves a piece of ground or figured glass to 

 screen the birds from observation ; nothing is needed at the 

 other side next the back of the cage. In the end of the 

 cage where this construction is fixed should be two small 

 doors opening outward on hinges, to enable the breeder to 

 take cognizance of what is going on inside. 



The object in having the breeding chamber constructed to 

 draw out, is to enable any one to thoroughly cleanse it as well 

 as the cage after the expiration of the breeding season, and 

 to more thoroughly exterminate any parasites that may have 

 found lodgings therein. Its removal also gives more space in 

 the cage, which can then be utilized as a flight cage for 

 young birds. At each end is a tin drawer for soft food to 

 be given to the birds during the period of nidification, and 

 afterwards when needed. This arrangement will be found 

 satisfactory, as it often prevents bickerings which are apt to 

 arise between the parent birds and their offspring ; for as soon 

 as the fledglings are able to cater for themselves, and occa- 

 sionally before they can do so in a satisfactory manner, they 

 dispute the title of the old birds to the good things provided 



D 



