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DO BIRDS POISON THEIR YOUNG?

It has been claimed by observers of birds that some of the feathered tribe will feed their young if they are caged, and if they fail after a certain time to release them, will bring them a poisoned weed to eat, that leath may end their captivity. Last spring it a farmhouse, the children captured a nest af three young thrushes, and they were immediately caged and hung in a tree. The mother was soon about, calling her young, md in a little while brought them some srorms. She continued feeding them regularly for several days without seeming to pay much attention to persons about. But shortly after this came the tragic ending that demonstrated the theory relative bo birds. She brought them a sprig of green >ne morning and disappeared. In less than in hour they all died. The sprig was examined and proved to be the deadly larkspur, a weed that will kill full grown cattle. Fhe little creatures lay dead in the cage, victims of their mother's stern resolve that ier offspring should die by her own act rather than live in captivity. One of Captain Kindheart's contributors records a limilar instance this week.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP18960129.2.46

Bibliographic details

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9326, 29 January 1896, Page 6

Word Count
202

DO BIRDS POISON THEIR YOUNG? Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9326, 29 January 1896, Page 6

DO BIRDS POISON THEIR YOUNG? Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9326, 29 January 1896, Page 6