Correspondence



287



on the importation of Parrots my hands are completely tied. I cannot

even remove them from my aviaries.


By all reports a few more years will see the extinction of these very

interesting and intelligent Parrakeets, so, needless to say, I shall use

every endeavour to induce them to perpetuate their kind.


Sydney Porter.



BIRD LICE


The letter of Mr. G. H. Gurney in regard to the bird lice is very

interesting, in so much that I have had several similar experiences

where birds have died owing to these wretched parasites.


The first bird I lost was a cock Swainson’s Long-tailed Jay: the bird

gradually got weaker and weaker, and in spite of everything possible

being done it died. Immediately after death the body was covered

with these tiny lice. They evidently felt the body becoming colder, so

started on a general exodus to find a fresh victim. The second bird

I lost was a Yerreaux Glossy Starling, and when handled the lice

swarmed over my hands and arms evidently thinking they had found

a fresh host.


Now if any of my birds appear the slightest unwell I closely examine

them, looking at the base of the wing- and tail-feathers for I find that

the lice are found in the greatest quantity under the underwing- and

tail-coverts.


A sure cure is to immerse the bird in a bath of a strong solution of

quassia, using J lb. of the chips to 2 quarts of water ; the birds’ beak

should, of course, be held out of the water. This kills the lice instantly,

and they float in a brown scum on the top of the water.


As the birds which are usually infested with these lice are in a weak

condition, it is necessary to keep them warm until quite dry.


I have only found these parasites on c ‘ soft-bills Speaking of

another subject, I wonder if any reader would care to give a good home

to a very tame Abyssinian Coucal, which is slightly lame.


Sydney Porter.



