438 



British Cage Birds. 



Points to be Observed in JuDGiNa.— Choose a well-formed^ 

 sprightly, vivacious bird, with a clear, bright eye ; one very pure 

 and rich in colour. The wing and neck markings should be well- 

 defined, the breast a bright, vinous red, and the belly quite 

 white, forming a strong contrast. The exhibit should be closely 

 and compactly feathered, with the full complement in wings and 

 tail. It must be in good bodily condition, and free from broken 

 or twisted feathers and dirt. 



General Eemarks.— The Turtle Dove will readily breed with 

 the Collared, or Barbary Dove, and the hybrids partake of the 

 characteristics of both parents. In Germany this is a favourite 

 cage bird, especially in country places, not only on account of its 

 tameness, and other attractive qualities, but because of a popular 

 superstition that it is more predisposed to disease than human 

 beings, and that, when illness visits a home, it is believed to 

 take it rather than the residents. 



At the pairing time these birds are apt to display a good deal 

 of pugnacity, especially the males, who become quarrrelsome, 

 jealous, spiteful, and vindictive, and more particularly so if a hen 

 they choose resents their advances, and shows a preference for 

 some more fortunate admirer. In such cases sanguinary battles 

 take place, might frequently overcomes right, and the van- 

 quished bird has to submit to his fate with the best grace he 

 can command ; this being the usual state of things, it is 

 advisable not to place birds together, and to avoid, if possible, 

 having odd or unpaired birds, as this leads to grave consequences, 

 and more particularly so if the odd birds prove males. It is an 

 excellent plan to place the males and females together in pairs, 

 in cages, before putting them in the aviary ; but even with this 

 precaution conflicts take place occasionally. 



In the shelter-house," which is an indispensable requisite to 

 every well-formed out-of-door aviary, a few shelves should be 

 erected, about 12in. apart ; between these are to be fixed 

 upright pieces of wood, to form divisions, at about' the same 

 distance (I2in.), and on the front of each row of these com- 

 partments must be nailed to the floor and sides a 2in. thin lath,, 

 to form nesting-boxes, and to prevent the eggs and young birds 

 from falling out. After the first severe conflict is over, each 

 pair of birds will choose one or two of these nesting-boxe&^ 

 which they will endeavour to defend against all intruders. It is 

 desirable, however, to have a peep-hole," and to keep a vigilant 



