Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-05-31
Cage and Song Birds.
THE CANARY.

out 10 the birds and animals which man
delights to tame and make subservient tC
his will. To do this, however, it is quite
necessary TO understand the nature of the
creatures we wish to control.
We have a few words to say in regard to
the canary bird, and this will be followed
up by some remarks upon the peculiarities
and treatment Of other cage and song
birds, which fall in the category of house
hold pets. For much of this information
we are indebted to j. II. Collier, of No.
1S Fulton street, well known bird deal
: eF land author of-sevefal- works on -kiFds
their treatment and diseases. 1t is hard
ly possible to give correct list Of prices
for these pets, as that is generally regula-
ted by the number of birds in the market,
and the condition in which they arrive.
The canary bird is domesticated in ev-
cry civilized land, and is admired not on
ly for its beauty of plumage. but for its
sweet songs and its adaptability to con-
tinement This bird was originally a na-
tive of the Canary Islands, and was intro
duced into Europe in the fourteenth cen
tury. 1t is not only attractive in appear
ance, but is hardy and easy to domesti-
cate. In its wild state the color of the
canary is very plain, and somewhat resem-
bles that of the linnet; the change in its
color is due entirely to the bybridizing
with birds of similar nature. In some
parts of Europe the citril. fuch, serin,
linnet. greenfnch and gold finch are used
as cross. The strongest birds, as a rule,
are those with the upper parts grayish
brown, and the lower grcenish yellow;
they approach nearest the original stock.
The breeding Of canaries in Europe is re-
duced to a science, and there is no reason
why it should not be in this country. if
people would but take the trouble to learn
the nature of the bird, and act on the in
formation. Enthusiasts recognize about
thirty varieties of canares, arranged un-
der the heads of plain aud yariegated, the
former being called gay spanelers, the
latter fancy or mealy birds. The latter
are considered the hardest variety.
The jonquil is of deep yellow, dark
est on the crown of the head, aud belongs
to the first division. The lizard is of the
fancy variety of an olive green color, with
a cap of bright yellow. In the case of
the mealy bird, the name indicates the
color In the best bred birds they ap-
pear as if they were frosted over or pow
dered The cinnamon is also beautiful
bird, and highly priced In this country,
however, but two kinds are commonly rec
Toguized. Tie long aud short breeds.
These when judiciously paired are tho
best songsters, and in reality the hardest
and best birds. To those desirous of rails
ing young birds, Mr.. Collier gives a few
words of advice. The cage should be as
high as possible that the birds may not be
disturbed. a Southern aspect is prefer
able, and great care should be taken as to
cleanliness. Ii an old cage is used il
should be we'll secured with hot water to
rid il Of vermn.
In selecting birds for breeding, the col
or is Of great importance. If the male
bird is jonquil with considerable black,
he should be mattel to mealy hen, with
as little black as possible. If the male be
a moaly bird, his mate should be jonqul
hen. Birds from the same nest should
never be allowed to pair. Males paired
with birds older than themselves, as a
general thing, produce a majority of males.
Never allow crested birds to pair as the
young are often liable 10 be bald. Be-
fore putting birds into breeding cage,
they should be kept together about week
in small cage, where they should be fed
on chopped egg aud bread, with crushed
hemp seed.
Ii it is desired TO keep large number
of birds together, the number of females
should be about twice as large as that of
the males. Whsn birds arc ready to build
they should be literally supplied with
deer, goat or cows hair, and fno grass
well dried. The canary lays usually Eve
eggs. The young are hatched in about
fourteen days, the male relieving the fe.
male on tho nest o few hours each day.
When birds arc ndiclcd to eating their
eggs, they should be literally fed on eggs
aud bread but should this bad habit con
tinue, the eggs should be removed aud ar
tifcia ones used until tho bird il feady
to sot, When the young arc hatchod, the
old bird should be supplied with rape seed
recently boiled aud washed in cold water,
beside supply of boiled eggs aud bread.
II at any time II Il necessary TO raleo
young birds by hand, tho best food Is
wheaton bread or cracker grated Gno and
mixed with we'll crushed rape seed this
should bo mostenod with tho yok Of an
egg aud water aud little al q time given
TO the birds by means Of quill ten or
twelve times day, In four weeks, young
birds should DO placed In separate cages,
but still supplied with tho paste mention.
cd above and seed In addition, The cana.
ny will frequently pair with other birds,
the progeny being called mules. The lin.
net, the lesser redpolc. tho bullhnch, and
some other birds Of that class, will pair
with tho canary. Tho young OF tho cana.
ry aud llnnet or the canary aud goldhneh,
arc generally the sweetest singers.
The best food for these birds Is canary
and rapcseed mixed, with now aud then u
little hempseed. Too much green food
should tot be given. A piece of old NOR
tar Is also very beneficial to birds occa.
sionally, and they should always be sup
piled with cuttlo.fsh bone Clean water
for drinking and bathing purposes should
be supplied daily. Tho canary should
never be exposed to incemeut weather,
but he should be allowed plenty of fresh
air, and under no circumstances should
they DO exposed to the scorching rays Of
the sun.
In teaching young birds TO sing, the
fo.l..a ,(.o.. oloot tho c,llow.no, ,.ian.