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British Cage Birds. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — After moulting these birds 

 have a tendency to obesity and drowsiness, and at such times do 

 not partake of their food with any relish. When this is found 

 to be the case, give them each two or three mealworms, or worms 

 found in pigeon lofts, and two or three spiders, twice a day ; this 

 will purge and cleanse them. During this time they should be 

 kept warm, and a few shreds of meadow saffron should be placed 

 in the drinking-trough. When lean, and poor in condition, give 

 them fresh figs, chopped fine, mixed with their regular food, 

 until they recover their lost flesh. After being kept in con- 

 finement for two or three years some birds become gouty, for 

 vvhich disease anoint their feet with fresh butter or goose grease 

 as often as occasion may require ; this will invariably cure them. 

 These birds are likewise subject to eruptions about their eyes 

 and beaks ; the remedy recommended for gout is equally applic- 

 able for this complaint. Should a bird become phlegmatic or 

 melancholy, put a piece of white sugar candy in its drinking- 

 water, and resort to insect food, strewing the bottom of its cage 

 with fresh mould, containing a plentiful supply of ants' eggs ; 

 also add about fifteen drops of the tincture of lobelia, and 

 ten of whisky or brandy, to their ordinary drinking-water. 



Nightingales generally mope a little at the moulting season ; 

 the best remedy is a few spiders and mealworms. When 

 suffering from indigestion, or a disordered state of the stomach 

 and bowels, they sit with their eyes partly closed, and not 

 infrequently sleep in the daytime for an hour or two together. 

 Insect food should then be given daily, if procurable, and a 

 little of the infusion of gentian, tincture of rhubarb, and 

 a few grains of magnesia, or carbonate of soda, put into 

 their drinking-water, which will soon revive them. At this 

 period of their lives they must be kept warm, partly covered, 

 and free from draughts of cold air. If at any time a bird be 

 found to be costive, give it a spider or two, which will relieve 

 it. If, on the contrary, it is observed to be purged, put a 

 little prepared chalk in its drinking-vessel. 



When a bird appears a little out of sorts, and you cannot 

 diagnose its ailment, twenty to thirty drops of Parrish's 

 Chemical Food may be added to its drinking-water, which 

 latter should be changed daily. Scales on the legs and claws 

 should be frequently removed. 



