Correspondence


THE MOULTING OF BIRDS OF PARADISE



165



I think the difficulty sometimes experienced in moulting Birds

of Paradise is largely due to the way in which they are commonly

kept—in cages or small aviaries in stuffy birdrooms.


They are essentially birds which need exercise, fresh air, and, if

possible, opportunities for bathing in rain- and dew-soaked foliage.


Last winter I obtained a pair of Rothschilds’ Birds of Paradise

which I was obliged to keep under the usual birdroom conditions.

They got stuck in the moult, and would have gone to pieces entirely

if left indoors. Soon after being turned into aviaries with outdoor

flights they began to improve, and now the moult is again well under

way and new feathers are coming nicely. Unlike the Kings, which

spend a lot of time in the shelter, they are a great deal in the open

air, and are very active, constantly flying about and leaping from

perch to perch.


Tavistock.



THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED DIET


I was much interested in Mr. A. Martin’s letter re the moulting

of Birds of Paradise in the last issue, also the Editor’s opinion regarding

same.


The assumption of the Editor that moisture is no doubt the cause

of this, is perhaps right, but I am inclined to believe that it is in the

feeding.


In the wild state naturally the birds acquire enough of the natural

substances for feather growing and maintenance of body stamina, but

the tendency of feeding in captivity leans to an inadequate supply of

essential substances.


I believe many of the softbill fanciers still use a dry food as a stock

food, and as I have previously mentioned, a dry food is very deficient

in essential substances.


I am inclined to assume this condition to a deficiency of fat-soluble

substances but, not having had these birds long enough to go through

the moult, I am unable to say for sure, it may be through a deficiency



