3i8 



British Cage Birds. 



intractable if placed in an aviary when newly caught ; hand- 

 reared birds do not come under this restriction. The young 

 birds, prior to the moult, are spotted with brown and reddish- 

 cinnamon on the upper parts of their bodies, and with reddish 

 yellow and dusky below. Male birds do not attain their full 

 colour until they are two years old. Young birds soon be- 

 come tame, but it is a difiScult matter to reconcile old ones to 

 captivity, and they seldom live long in confinement. Wheatears 

 require considerable attention, and a frequent change of diet, 

 to preserve them in health. 



Diseases and theie Treatment. — Wheatears are very subject 

 to diarrhoea and decline, and generally die of the last-mentioned 

 disease. All depends on the supply of natural food which is 

 given them ; they never thrive well on artificial diet. For 

 treatment in case of illness, see Chapter V., on " Diseases." 



