Housebold.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1592, 16 September 1882, Page 6

Housebold.

CAKE OP CANARY BIItDS. Hvving had some experience in the care of canary birds I will tender a few hints on the subject, taking it for granted that anything in that line will be acceptable to many of "The Householders," especially to those so fortunate as to own canaries. Almost all diseases to which canaries are subject are occasioned by| colds, which generally are contracted by their being placed in a draught or in a hot room. To avoid colds they should he kept in a room not too warm or cold, but about sixty degrees is the right temperature for them. But if they should take cold the best and most careful treatment is necessary. Give them, in addition to their regular fpod, one hard-boiled egg to which has been added a cracker grated very fine ; do not mix with water, for the egg if well rubbed in will give the required moisture. Unless colds receive immediate attention they ofted turn to asthma, wbjfh seems a very painful disease. Birds so diseased frequently sit hours at a time with their feathers puffed out, wheezing as though every breath gave the most intense pain. This can be benefited by giving (in addition to the food described above) small particles of salt pork covered over very thickly with pepper ; a little plantain, if attainable, is also of great benefit to them. When your birds seem to have lost their voices, which they often do, the most effectual remedy is to place pure rock candy in their drinking water and let it dissolve, and if that hasn't the required effect, move your birds to a different window where the scenery differs from the last, and if they still refuse to sjng I pronounce their voices lost for ever. Canaries are not infrequently bothered with sore feet. For the benefit of those having sore-footed pets I will mention a remedy : To one gill of warm water add ten drops of the tincture of arnica ; bathe the feet of the suffering bird in this till cured. I will also mention a preventive to this trouble, which I think is easier to carry out than the cure : Provide them plentifully with nice sand or gravel, keep their perches clean, and always see that they have nice, clean, fresh water, for there is nothing that they like so well. Be careful not to confine your birds too closely to the same diet, for, like persons, they like a change now and then. Give your birds plenty of nicp seed, such as canary, hemp, rape, etc. ; give them grated cracker and egg every few days. Always keep their cages clean, and never let them want water ; provide them with plenty of sand always ; give them apple once or twice a week. I think you will have healthy birds if you follow these directions. « •$.