CANARY AND CAGE BIRD NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 248, 17 September 1936, Page 15

CANARY AND CAGE BIRD NOTES.

(By “Unflighted.”) The time is now opportune to give a note or two on breeding requisites for canaries. Successful bird breeding cannot be attained without a few shillings’ outlay to assure your birds of comfortable homes lor the upbringing of their families. Nesting receptacles are of various designs, but the type now in general use is the earth-

enware nest pans which resemble a shallow pudding basin with ventilation holes in the base. The nest pans lit into wire hangers and are affixed to a screw or hook at the back or side oi the cage. Another very useful addition to the breeding equipment is a small mill or grinder which will be iound of great value lor grinding hemp seed and the biscuits used during the breeding season. A seed sieve is also useful for separating the dust from the seed in the hoppers. This sifting operation should be carried out once a week throughout the year. A tin of insect powder should also he obtained for treating nests during the breeding season.

CONDITIONING YOUR BIRDS. It is upon the magic word “condition” that success or failure depends. The average novice is apt to suppose that because a pair of birds proceed to make a nest and the hen begins to lay eggs the birds must be in proper breeding condition. This is a fallacy responsible for thousands of “clear” eggs and consequent negative results. Eggs can he obtained by the score from moderately conditioned birds, but to obtain fertile eggs and strong healthy progeny both the parent birds must be at the very top of their form. Every effort must be made to bring the breeding stock into vigorous condition. Any birds that are observed to be below par should receive additional food, made by mixing equal parts ot tlie following seeds: Maw, gold of pleasure, niger, tazle, lettuce and groats. if a bird is observed to be in a forward condition, or if it is seen to be “feeding the wires,” a process of food regurgitation, it should be kept on a strictly plain diet of Spanish canary seed. Hens which are seeii to be carrying feathers about, or making fan-like shapes of tlieir tails, should likewise not receive any forcing foods. Free use of a bafli is also an excellent method of. inducing improved health and improved condition in backward birds. Baths should always be placed in the cages in the morning and removed immediately the bird has finished bathing. Last but by no means least, place your birds in a cosy position, so that they may obtain the I>enefit of sunshine and fresh air—the two best- conditioning tonics. QUERIES ANSWER ED.

“Terrace End.” —The incubation period for canaries is 13 days and for budgerigars 18 to 19 days. “C.C.B.” —Any well-known make oi egg and biscuit food will do for feeding to your lien while she is feeding youngsters. Further queries will be answered free l;v “Un flighted,” care “Standard” oifice.