114



Correspondence



VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL BRED IN GERMANY


I read in a German periodical that the Violet-eared Waxbill

(Granatina granatina ) was successfully bred in Germany last year.

I think it is the first time that this species has successfully reared its

young in any aviary.


A. Decoux.



EYE DISEASE


I thank Mr. Boosey for his reply to my query re the eye disease

in Parrakeets, and for his description as quoted from Lord Tavistock.

Unfortunately I am not as a rule interested in Parrakeets, therefore

have not the book to hand from which Mr. Boosey quotes, but the

symptoms quoted are identical with those that have come under my

care, and there is not much room to doubt that it is the one and same

disease. This disease is caused by a deficiency of (fat soluble) Vitamin A.

Whilst most cases investigated have been in Softbills, I have had many

instances in Hardbills, and also in English-bred Quail; all have been

effectively cured by the same treatment, viz. the application of

Vitamin A given direct in the beak. Complete cures are effected in

from forty-eight hours to seven days, according to the condition of the

bird. I am rather interested in this disease where Parrakeets are

concerned as I should like to ascertain for sure if it is one and the same

disease and, should any of our members have a bird suffering with it,

with the symptoms as described by Lord Tavistock, I should like to

have the bird for an experiment, with a view to effecting a cure.


It was interesting to learn from Dr. Hamilton of the eye disease

in the wild state. Unfortunately he does not describe the symptoms

fully, but I should not be surprised to find that this is the same disease

also. I come to this conclusion because of his mentioning of the

climatic conditions of the district for several years and the failure of

the farmers to grow their crops. Young shoots of grain, leaves, etc.,

and the food of these birds in the natural surroundings naturally

contain fat soluble substances, and it is probable that the birds were



