The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-10-19
VOL. XXI---NO. AZ.
Rearing Mocking.B Birds.

When, one bright morning in June, a
kind friend from Georgia came to NV
house, and brought me two very tiny nest
IlngS .Pent up in small quarters, and when
he laid the cage upon the table, and the
occupants, instead of begging for food, sat
perched and with dropped heads, I must
have thanked the giyer ominousiy, for l
really expected to put them under ground
before night. 1t is not often that persons
who commence to keep mocking-birds do
so under such evil circumstances.
But was not dismayed. Trusting that
they were suffering only from the effects of
long journey, and that ampler space and
some nourishing food would repair their
energies, at once visited the cage-maker,
and selected cage just fifteen inches wide,
twenty inches high, and twenty-four inches
long, made OF timed wire. might have
procured wooden and iron.wire cage at
about-one half the money, but should
have had to contend with lice soon after
ward, and preferred, therefore, to save me
this trouble by being forearmed. 1t might
De asked, why purchase so large cageg 2"
Simply because this is necessity. A
mocking-bird cannot live and thrive we'll
in smaller cage, and, sooner than dimin-
ish, would willingly increase these pro-
portions had l more abundant room at
command.
In this cage placed plenty of gravel, or
common river-sand, sprinkling it freely
over the bottom. The purpose of this
gravel is not, as some persons fancy, to
keep the cage clean and to absorb the
moisture of the refuse, but it is to keep the
birds feet clean and to aid him in digest
ing his food. The gravel-paper which is
sold already prepared for canaries might
possibly answer for mocking-birds, but
should hardly recommend it.
Having also placed in the cage shallow
bathing-cup filled two-thirds full with
tepid water, l now introduced the little
prisoners. They quickly recognized and
appreciated the change, and in less than
an hour they were disposed to try the bath
and then to go to eating. Let me say here
that hooking birds will sometimes commit
the suicidal act of drowning themselves if
| they are not watched and the bathing-ves-
sci is not shallow. Why this should hap
pen know not. 1t is also wise precau-
| tion not to tempt them to battle in cold
water, for should they do so they will suf-
fer from it afterward, and be brought down
with disease.
With regard to the food, nestlings thrive
best on one and invariably the same kind.
Surprising that, like myself, you have
begun with nestlings, you will best keep
them in good condition by allowing them,
through the first summer, the following
| food: Take two old potatoes-never give
them new ones when the old can be OBJ
tained-pare, and boil them tender; also
boil two good-sized eggs Zone will
answer), remove from the shell, and mash
them fine with the potato. Blend these
ingredients thoroughly, and put away in
cool place. This mixture should consti-
tute the daily food of the young mocking-
bird. For the first month give spoonful
every hour or so, feeding him by hand just
as you would an infant. AS he grows
| older larger amount may be given at
longer intervals, and about August a bit
of sweet apple may be occasionally added.
Give him also through these months, and
indeed always, plenty of water to drink,
and bath once day in the morning.
Never allow the bath-tub to remain long
in the cage, but after the bird has bathed
remove it.
In September, or perhaps as late as Oc-
tober, the bird will commence to sing, Ell
Their initiating the vocal harmonies of other
birds or in his own original way. Then,
and not until then, you may cease feeding
him by hand, and may place his food in
the cup, whence he may procure it for him
self as often as he wishes. The general
character of his food should be that al
ready mentioned, with the addition of
grated raw carrot (one-third of the latter
to two-thirds of the former). AS he gains
in song, tablespoonful ofants'eggs soak
ed and mixed with this food, will prove
beneficial, as will also sweet apple.-From
APpletons' Journal for October.