The Turtle Dove. 



439 



outlook, to see how matters progress, as it may be found necessary 

 to remove a bird which may take pleasure in tyrannising over 

 his companion ; but this need not be done without it be found to 

 be wilfully mischievous, for bickerings and heart-burnings are not 

 infrequent occurrences at this period of their existence, even in 

 the best regulated aviaries. Some fanciers place earthenware 

 pans on the floor, such as flower-pot saucers, for the birds to 

 nest in ; but this arrangement is more or less objectionable for 

 several reasons, which it is not necessary to enumerate. A 

 supply of nice clean straw, cut into short lengths, must be given 

 to them to make their nests with. 



In confinement these birds breed more frequently than in the 

 •wild state ; but they require a spacious aviary, and one that is so 

 formed as to inclose a portion of a tree will be much appre- 

 ciated by the inmates. In erecting an aviary for Turtle 

 Doves, it is best to have it divided, so that the young birds may 

 be provided with a retreat, as the old ones shamefully maltreat 

 them if they intrude on or approach their breeding-place 

 whilst a fresh brood is being reared. The Turtle Dove will 

 live to the age of ten or twelve years in an aviary with care 

 and proper attention. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — The Turtle Dove thrives 

 well in an out-of-door aviary, and does not suffer more than any 

 of the other varieties. It is liable to cold, and is sometimes 

 troubled with roup. A few grains of saltpetre, powdered very 

 fine, and blown into the throat through a quill, will in most 

 cases cure it in the first stage; or a gargle, made with lOgrs. of 

 the sulphate of copper and 8oz. of water, and applied two or 

 three times a day with a feather to the affected parts, will 

 generally effect a cure. This bird is liable to diarrhoea and 

 kindred ailments, for the treatment of which consult Chapter 

 v., on "Diseases." 



