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British Cage Birds. 



that of the Jackdaw. The hen lays four or five creamy 

 white eggs, spotted with yellow and pale brown, and feeds its 

 young mostly on worms and insects. 



Methods of Capture. — The birds may be taken in winter 

 by scattering limed sticks over a piece of broad, flattish rock, 

 or ground which has been previously baited with mealworms 

 or juniper berries. The spot selected should be near their 

 place of habitation. 



Food and Treatment. — In the wild state, these birds feed 

 chiefly on worms, beetles, caterpillars, moths, and berries. They 

 show a preference for juniper berries. In confinement, they 

 may be fed on soaked bread or biscuit, pieces of cooked meat, 

 and earthworms. 



Eearing the YouNa. — Red-legged Crows may be reared by 

 treating in all respects the same as Jackdaws or Rooks. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The male birds 

 are bolder and more majestic in carriage and bearing than 

 the females, brighter and richer in colour and sheen of feathers, 

 and redder on the beak and legs. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Choose a large, sleek, 

 well-formed bird, of brilliant colour and sheen, and with a 

 tight-fitting coat and well-formed wings and tail, free from 

 frayed or broken feathers. It should be upright and majestic 

 in bearing, bold and fearless, with bright, keen eyes, and, 

 above all, with a rich, brilliantly coloured beak and legs. 

 The exhibit must be quite tame, steady on perch when being 

 handled, in good condition, and free from all appearance of 

 dirt. 



General Remarks, — These birds are not kept as domestic 

 pets so frequently as Jackdaws and Rooks, for they are vicious 

 as well as mischievous, and without the redeeming qualities 

 of those birds ; their splendid appearance is what is most 

 admired in them. Like the other members of the family, 

 they are guilty of committing gross depredations when allowed 

 their liberty, even when their wings have been shortened. 

 If kept in confinement, an aviary will be found the most 

 suitable place. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — These birds being similarly 

 constituted to Crows, Jackdaws, and Rooks, consult the chapters 

 on these birds as to treatment in case of illness. 



