470 



British Cage Birds. 



Geneeal Eemaeks, — The White Owl is a useful bird to keep 

 about a farmhouse, stable, granary, or malthouse, as it will 

 destroy more mice than a cat, and will kill rats and devour 

 beetles ; so that its services are of great value where a stock 

 of grain is kept. 



With clipped wings it may be granted its full liberty, but 

 requires to be supplied with a box, or other convenient re- 

 ceptacle, as a roosting-place, fixed in some quiet corner, 

 in a building that is rarely used, and where it is not likely 

 to be disturbed. It must be trained when young to go 

 to this retreat, by placing food and water there, and when 

 it gets accustomed to the arrangement it will not readily 

 forsake the spot. If kept in an aviary, it ought to be one 

 specially constructed for Owls, with a totally darkened retreat ; 

 and no other birds differing in species should be kept with it. 



The White Owl, if reared by hand, becomes docile and 

 tractable, and in many cases familiar with its regular atten- 

 dant, and receives the latter, not only with an unmistakable 

 sign of recognition, but in many instances with an expression 

 of pleasure, flapping its wings like a pigeon being fed by 

 its mate, and making a purring or hissing kind of noise in its 

 throat. 



Diseases and theie Teeatment. — The White Owl is a 

 healthy, hardy bird, and seldom out of sorts. If at any time 

 it appears mopish, give it a change of diet, and this will in 

 most cases restore it in a few days. It is a long-lived bird 

 if properly cared for and liberally supplied with wholesome 

 food, and especially so if kept in a barn or granary, where 

 it can hunt for its prey. It must have a supply of mice and 

 small birds occasionally, or the leg of a pigeon or chicken, 

 or it will be liable to go into a decline unless permitted to 

 hunt for its food as described above. 



