Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-22
Gagged SONGSTERS.
Some Facts About Breeding Canary
Birds

"The breeding season for canaries will soon
be here, said bird fancier 10 STAR reporter.
81 mean, Of course. cage birds. The season
commences about New Years day, and lasts
well into spring."
ers?" asked the reporter.
Yes, indeed In fact, they are the only
ones we handle. The canary in its wild state
is not frst-class bird. There are class of
men who make a good living in the Hartz
mountains breeding canaries> They usually
have a whole building devoted to them, and
raise great numbers"
''How are canaries raised in a cage?" asked
the reporter
First Of all il is necessary to get breeding
cage. The cage should be at least Is inches
long by IL deep, and the same in width. Put
TWO nests IN the cage. After having selected
your birds, let the hen choose the one which
best suits her fancy. A place where there may
De little noise is the best for breeding purposes
All noise and moving of the cage must be
avoided. as the birds are very scary. and when
frightened often break the eggs. or stay away
from the nest altogether. associating il with
danger. The female bird isoften a bad breeder
and females possessing such qualities as being
pad breeders, laying their eggs ON the floor OF
the cage neslecting their young. and usually
kiiilng them, are frequent SO that a good female
breeder is a rare thing"
THE FOOD.
''What kind of food must be given the birds
when breeding?"
''The ordinary food is sufficient. although a
hard-boiled egg is greatly relished. Extra
food should be provided during the second
week OF incubation. The cock may remain
with his family as long as he behaves himself
but the moment he shows i'll temper he should
De taken out. Some male birds are great fam
ny men, and seem TO enjoy taking the place of
the hen on the nest while she leaves to feed or
rest. After the birds are Matched the best plan
and IN fact the only one, is to leave them alone.
Inc OLD lady VIII raise them herself without
any assistance.
The little ones leave their nest when they
are about three weeks old. IL YOU wish TO
hatch another brood the double cage should be
employed, as the mother bird commences TO
lay before the young ones leave their nests II
you have a double cage the Young NAV be
transferred to one. The male bird will see
they do not want for something to eat. When
1t Is time to feed the young birds have found, -
SAID the bird man. that hard boiled eggs mix
ed with crackers or toasted bread made the
best food, although soaked rape seed is used
by many. Birds should not hatch over three
times a season.
Certain peculiarities can frequently be Sc
cured In breeding" continued the bird man.
For instance. TO produce a handsomely col
ored bird. the cock must possess the same color
ana marks as those you wish to reproduce.
Top-knots or, as We call them. capped birds.
are produced by one OF the birds being provided
with cap. Good singers make the best breed
ers. he continued. land care should be taken
that the birds are not over six years of age.
Birds too closely related should never be
mated.
How can you tell the age of birds 2" asked
the reporter.
1T is easily ascertained by the coarse, hard
skin seen on their legs and by their long claws.
When bird has an abundance of such hard
skin, don't take it. it's sure to be an old bird.
CROSSING BREEDS.
"Many breeders make special study of
crossing canary birds with other seed-eating
birds. The result of such breeding is called
the mule bird. The female canary, crossed
with the German goldhnch. linnet. sisken,
chafhnch' and even the German sparrows We
see about the streets, produce the best mule
birds"