Mrs. R. G. Ashby—-Softbills



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particular require unremitting attention. I have never tried covered

ones, as this seems to me to be the lazy way. “ Softbills 55 suffer so

easily from sore feet. Use natural twig perches. In the cages of the

smaller varieties fix branches (practically miniature trees) on coils of

wire. These are easily made by coiling wire round a pencil. The main

branch is placed in the coil, which is fixed by a staple to the floor.

The coil acts as a spring and the branches' “ give 55 when used. The jar

on alighting on a fixed perch is undoubtedly harmful to any species.

This branch type of perch has the added advantage of offering different

sizes, thereby affording the necessary exercise for the feet.


All perches must be washed daily. The stickiness of those used by

fruit-eaters and nectar-feeders is astounding.


Place the single perches at different heights in the cage, always

avoiding them being directly above food or water dishes. Let them be

a fair distance apart, as this compels flight and the subsequent wing

exercise is essential for keeping the birds in tip-top condition.


Coarse sawdust is undoubtedly the best covering for the bottom of

the cage. I have experimented with moss litter and turfs of growing

grass, but the sawdust is admirable. Do not use the fine variety, as

there is the danger of it entering the eyes when blown about during

flight.


Water, preferably rain-water, must be supplied for drinking and

bathing. If a newly imported bird will bathe it will almost invariably

live. Regular spraying is a splendid incentive to bathing. For drinking,

the small fountains which clip to the wire are the best. They are then

unable to bathe in the drinking water. When fresh water is put in

a healthy bird will usually bathe at once.


The flower-pot pans made of clay make splendid dishes for the

bathing water. White dishes, apparently, do not give the birds any

idea of the depth and they are accordingly reluctant to use them. A

rough stone, placed in the pan and large enough to show just above

the water-level, gives confidence. The main objection to these pans is

that they are slightly porous and the damping of the sawdust around

them gives the impression that bathing has taken place, when this is

not the case. Change all water at least once daily, and thoroughly wash

all receptacles.



