A. Allen—An Experiment with Grass Parrakeets 287


from their breeder, Mr. Harvey, of Australia. The hen came to England

in 1932, and prior to coming to us had the following record. In 1933

she reared three rickety young. 1934, one good young one ; 1935, laid

but did not hatch ; 1936, laid did not sit. She was tried with two

different cocks.


The Cock Splendid was imported in 1937, being then a young

bird barely mature.


The Turquoisines’ history was as follows : The cock was bred in

1937 by Doctor Derscheid of Belgium. The hen whose age and previous

record is unknown, came from Mr. Whitley of Devon. The cock was

wintered in one of our bird rooms, and became addicted to plucking,

indulging in bouts of gradually diminishing violence. He was not

in perfect plumage when we were forced to introduce him to his spouse.


The arrangements for breeding were identical in the case of both

pairs. Grandfather clock nest boxes were made and fitted over the gap

containing soil. These boxes were constructed of four boards screwed

together and lined, in the nesting area, inside and out, with particularly

rough bark, there being no perch, and a small hinged inspection door

was constructed just above the actual nest level. This was made so

as to prevent the entry of draughts and daylight, but was not

camouflaged.


The Splendids soon settled down, and in a few days gave evidence

of appreciating their environment. The Turquoisines, too, lost no

time, and soon nesting operations were in full swing. During incubation

the behaviour of the male birds gave some indication of what was

happening. At times when the hens were off the nest feeding, the

nest-boxes were swiftly examined. The Splendids’ nest-box revealed

eight eggs, three of which proved infertile and were removed. The

Turquoisines had six fertile eggs.


A few days later intensive feeding by both parents indicated the

presence of young ; this was soon confirmed by sound. The old birds

are eating almost incessantly when the nestlings are growing big,

and a considerable amount of food is consumed. Seeding grasses are

much appreciated, these having been wisely planted so as to ripen

when most wanted. There was also a peat heap on which seed had

been thrown down to sprout. Groundsel was supplied, and a blob of



