206



Mrs. R. G. Ashby—My Birds in Scotland



similar experience. However, I am digressing. The conservatory, as it is

practically all glass, is subject to extremes of temperature. In the

summer afternoons as high as 130 degrees is reached, but the birds do

well in it. In the winter it is heated by a patent gas fire. I found that

even 18 feet of a tubular electric heater could not keep the place warm.


With the exception of Budgerigars and Cockatiels all my birds are

wintered indoors, and it is the work of a morning to attend to them.

In the summer, when most are outside, my labours are considerably

reduced.


Now as to the inmates of the aviaries, etc. I am almost ashamed to

admit the contents of No. 1 (miscellaneous) aviary. Here overcrowding

is at its worst. Nevertheless, some pairs are nesting, but I am not at

all optimistic. Lavender Finches, Common Firefinches, Cordons,

Queen Whydahs, Chestnut-breasted Finches, Bichenos Finches,

Crested Bengalese, Masked and Long-tailed Grassfinches, Olive Finches,

Golden-breasted Waxbills, St. Helena and Grey Waxbills, and Sharp¬

tailed Finches are the pairs. Two hen Peter’s, a Black-cheeked Waxbill,

and two cock Pintailed Whydahs are the odd birds. I had also in this

aviary a pair of Green Cardinals, odd hen (?) Nonpareil Bunting,

Hawfinch, and several Weavers, but I have deposited these at our

public aviaries.


I may say that I have found Whydahs quite safe with other birds.

They are inclined to chase a little, but no harm has resulted.


A Toco Toucan occupies an aviary. Caged indoors he is a delightful

pet and very tame, but outside his welcome is almost vicious. A pair

of Purple-headed Glossy Starlings is in the next aviary. I find all

these larger insectivorous birds do very well on a mixture of Saval

No. 1, which is very cheap and only requires moistening. I am indebted

to our member, Mr. A. Wilson, of Glasgow, for this advice. He has used

it with several Birds of Paradise, and I find it superior to the ordinary

expensive mixtures, although I make my own soft foods.


Pairs of Cockatiels, Bed-headed Gouldians, White-throated,

St. Helenas, and Heck’s Grassfinches are in the next aviary.

The Cockatiels have young and the Heck’s and Gouldians are

incubating eggs.


The “ wilderness ” aviary contains Buficauda Finches and Heck’s,



