Pets and how to care for them

Front matter

iiiii

■■'1., . • ; ',1'.

l.i .

Preface

Every normal child, of whatever race or creed, is born with an innate love for wild things. If allowed to languish from lack of intelligent parental interest and supervision, this natural instinct is gradually lost or degenerates into the unintentional cruelty of ignorance. Properly fostered and developed, it is certain to exert a beneficent influence on the trend of developing character. Given scope and sympathetic guidance, the young mind is trained to observe and appreciate the subtle ways of nature, an accomplishment wdiich, in later years, will prove, if nothing more, a welcome diversion. The sterling qualities of kindness, responsibility and regularity are acquired, and many of the problems which perplex the adolescent adjust themselves normally by constant contact with reproductive life.

By necessity, the choice of creatures mentioned in this book has been arbitrary. The scope of the word " pet " ma}' seem, in some cases, to have been stretched, and in others restricted, but no species has been included or omitted without careful consideration. To give, in a single volume, full and efficient directions for the treatment of so many diverse creatures, means that the space devoted to each must be no greater than necessary. For this reason, rare or particularly delicate meml^ers of the various groups have been excluded. Such animals as the lamb, calf, colt, etc., have not been mentioned, as their care generally is well understood by those in a position to keep them. On the other hand, many of the birds, such as the pheasants, cranes and waterfowl, cannot be considered as pets in the sense

ix

X PREFACE

that they may be fondled, but they are widely kept for ornamental purposes, and their proper treatment is a matter often not well known.

No attempt has been made to give detailed descriptions of wild species, except in so far as to make identification reasonably easy. Domestic breeds have received more attention in this respect, as their colors and markings are more variable than those of forms unaffected by the conditions of long-continued confinement. Since captivity is here the keynote, wild habits, in most cases, have not been dwelt on. Collateral reading of books chosen from the many devoted to that phase of the subject is strongly advised.

Except in a few cases, notably the birds, reference to disease has been brief. If sick animals do not respond quickly to the simple household remedies which suggest themselves, a veterinary should be summoned, or the sufferer destroyed. To attempt to treat a creature that is seriously ill is a task which only a trained person should assume. Bird diseases, however, have received scant attention from investigators, and the little space devoted to them here will not be amiss.

The question of scientific breeding may seem somewhat erudite for the field indicated by the title of this work. Its importance is so great, however, that a few words, outlining the fundamentals, have been added as an appendix.

For those who desire more extensive information than is given here, a list of practical works is given. To many of them I am indebted for reference during the preparation of this volume, and hereby make full acknowledgment.

To Dr. William T. Hornaday, Mr. William Beebe, Mr. Raymond L. Ditmars and Mr. Elwin R. Sanborn, I am grateful for much invaluable assistance and advice, which have greatly facilitated my work. Mr. Kenyon V. Painter, Mr. Percy Warner, Mrs. Harriet V. Furness and the New

PREFACE xi

York Zoological Society have contributed several illustrations, for the use of which I am much indebted.

Photographs not otherwise credited were taken by the author, most of the subjects being included among the exhibits at the New York Zoological Park. The goldfishes are the property of Mr. Joseph Taubles, while the tropical fishes are from the author's private collection.

Several chapters included have already appeared in various publications, and for their use my thanks are due to the New York Zoological Society, Messrs. Doubleday, Page & Co., and the Advanced Agricultural Publishing Co.

L. S. C New York Zoological Park, January, 1917.

CONTE

Preface

PAGE

IX

II. C*ts

Til.

'. .viESTic Rabbits . . . .

J

■ Animals ... 5ECTIO-.' 11— BIRDS

V.

VI.

Pheasants

VII.

Peafowl, Guinea-fow md Quail

. 104

VIII.

Water-fowl ......

. 108

IX.

Parrots

. 128

V

Cage Birds

. 151 ies

. 186

. 211

General Care .

. 261

XIV.

AouARiuM Fishes ...

. 272

ILLUSTRATIONS

European Wild Cat / ^ . .

i. . , . . rrontispiece

Domestic Striped Tabby Cat

PAGE

Dingo . 21

Gray Wolf ." . 21

Boston Terrier 26

Airedale Terrier .26

White Persian Cat ' . ZZ

Siamese Cat . . . . . ... 33

English Rabbit . , 42

Dutch Rabbit ......... 42

Belgian Hare . . . . . . . . 42

Lop-eared Rabbit .42

Jlhesus Monkey . . 51

White-faced Sapajou Monkey . . . . . 51

Opossum 51

Albino Gray Squirrel . . . . . . • 56

Soemmering Pheasant 75

XIV

ILLUSTRATIONS

Vieillot Fire-back Pheasant

Brown Eared Pheasant .

Silver Pheasant

Indian Peahen and Chick

White Peacock Displaying

Mute and Trumpeter Swans

Cereopsis Geese and Goslings

Mallard Ducks

Mandarin ....

Green-winged Macaw

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Green-cheeked Amazon Parrot

Gray Parrot

Song Thrush

Nightingale

Dyal Thrush .

Blue Solitare

Diamond Finch

Giant Whydah

European Jay

Gray Java Sparrow

Wild Canary

Yorkshire Canary

Norwich Canary .

PAGE

PAGE

Crested Canary . . , , . . . . 197

Rock Dove 226

Homing Pigeon . . . . . , . . 226

Flying Tippler 226

jBirmingham Roller 226

Almond Short- faced Tumbler 241

Black Fan-tail 241

Black Shield . . . 241

Common Goldfish ........ 273

Japanese Scaleless Veil-tailed Goldfish .... 273

Scaleless Telescope Goldfish . . . . . . 273

Haplochilus earner ootiensis . . . ... 273

Xiphophorus helleri ....... 284

Alfaro cultratum 284

Paradise Fish 284

Climbing Perch 284

SECTION I MAMMALS

Chapter I Dogs

What shall we say of the dog? The close companion of man almost from the beginning, his praises have been sung in every tongue. The literature of the world contains countless eulogies of his devotion and courage, so that little now remains to be said. The savage wolf-dog of our almost equally savage ancestors has become the pampered pet of modern civilization ; but the sterling characters which made him indispensable in those old days have increased with the passage of time. That the dog was of the utmost importance to primitive man we may not doubt. His services to men who lived chiefly on meat must have been incalculable, and it is probable that to this fact the domestication of the dog is due. Aboriginal men in all parts of the world still have their packs of half-wild dogs, often obviously descended, at least in part, from native feral species.

Just when the dog first became associated with man we do not know. The facts are shrouded in the mysteries of the origin of our race itself, but it must have occurred at a very remote period, for the Romans had well-established breeds, separated into groups, according to their ability in hunting, running, fighting, flock-tending, etc.

The ancestry of the dog has been the occasion of much controversy. Many naturalists have considered that it is descended from a single ancestor, such as tjie common wolf of Europe. The wonderful diversity in breeds of modern dogs has been held to disprove this claim and point to a number of foundation strains. But a consideration of the equal variation among other domestic creatures, noticeably

20 PETS

the fowl and the pigeon, known to have been derived from a single wild species, lessens the force of the argument.

Darwin,* however, leans toward the theory of multiple origin, and advances much convincing proof in support of his belief. It is well known that many savage tribes have dogs which appear to be simply half -tamed representatives of the particular wild-dog-like animals inhabiting the same regions. The dogs of the American Plains Indians closely resemble the small prairie wolf or coyote; the husky of the north country is plainly not far removed from the gray wolf ; the German sheep-dog and the Samoyede are strikingly wolf -like in appearance. Whether our present dogs are the result of crossing these many simple derivatives of wolves and jackals among themselves, or whether there was an original ancestral dog, now extinct, with which the blood of other species has become mingled, we do not know. Domestic dogs have been shown to be perfectly fertile, for several generations, with various wild species.

According to Mivart,t the Dingo {Canis dingo) is the only wild dog still existing which meets the requirements of an ancestor of our modern breeds. This species is found throughout Australia, and fossil bones which have been found show its presence there, from very early times. There is reason to believe, however, that, remote as the period must have been, the Dingo was introduced by man and is not indigenous to Australia. It is certain that the Dingo lends itself to captivity and is frequently kept by the natives, whose dogs bear evidence of free interbreeding with the wild species. This is a feature of great interest, and it may be that in the Dingo we have an animal representing the foundation stock of the domestic dog.

* Darwin, Charles: Animals and Plants Under Domestication (Westminster Edition), pp. 14-43.

t Mivart, St. George : A Monograph of the Canidce, 1890, p. 168.

Dingo (above) Gray Wolf (below;

22 PETS

In considering the care of the dog, the particular breed or type of the individual is of prime importance. The large, hardy sorts are better off for a certain amount of cold and exposure, and if a snug kennel is provided, will do very well without heat. The more delicate toys, to remain in good health, must have warm, dry quarters.

If it is decided that the dog is to remain out of doors, a well-ventilated, rain-proof, draughtless kennel, of sufficient size, should be provided. Straw makes the best bedding and should be changed frequently. If the dog can be given regular daily exercise, he may at other times be chained to the kennel. If this is not possible, a run of stout wire should be built or a ring-and-wire trolley arranged so that the animal may have some freedom. To chain permanently an active, healthy dog is an act of cruelty which is certain to result in the bad temper which is usually characteristic of " watch-dogs."

Dogs of medium size, which are suitable for house-dogs, should be given a special sleeping-place, preferably in a little heated part of the house. Most dogs are better if not cuddled.

The tiny lap-dogs require more attention. It is best to provide for them a special sleeping-basket, in which they may be placed at bedtime and carefully covered. A night's exposure to the comparatively mild winter temperature of the average home may very well prove fatal. Exercise is as important for these little creatures as for their larger cousins, and should be given at regular hours.

The dog should be bathed at frequent intervals, but should have every facility for rapid drying, particularly during cold weather. It is always best to confine the animal until it has thoroughly dried, as otherwise the work may be

PETS 23

undone, nothing pleasing a wet dog more than a chance to roll in dirt. Dogs with long or fine hair should be brushed regularly.

The matter of training is one of the greatest importance, a disobedient dog being second in unpleasantness only to a child who has been similarly neglected. The dog wishes to obey, and to please his master, but it is necessary to impress thoroughly on his mind just what is wanted. There is much difference of temperament among dogs, of course, but most individuals are more easily governed by a sharp word than b}^ a blow. However, sentiment should not be allowed to interfere with discipline, and if the animal seems to require punishment, the corrective tap should not be withheld. Dogs are wonderfully keen in learning the meaning of gestures and even phrases, a faculty which adds much to their charm.

While dogs belong to a carnivorous family, they are now omnivorous in feeding habits. If given plenty of exercise, it is possible for them to keep in excellent condition on meat alone, but it is best to vary the constituents of the diet. This is particularly true of the smaller breeds. The food, then, should contain a certain percentage of meat, preferably cooked. It is important to see that this is free from small pieces or splinters of bone. To this may be added various vegetables, bread, cooked cereals and milk, in fact almost anything edible, provided it is clean and not too greasy. Dog biscuits solve the question to a very satisfactory extent, but the dog should not be compelled to eat them continually, without variation. Large bones should be given frequently, for gnawing keeps the animal out of mischief and provides various physical benefits. Over-feeding is the worst danger to which canine pets are subjected. No more than will keep the animal in good condition should ever be given, and sweets and starchy

24 PETS

foods should be withheld. Fresh, cool water, of course, should always be within reach.

The period of gestation in dogs is about sixty-three days. The prospective mother should have a box or corner, preferably in a darkened nook, where she will not be disturbed. The puppies' eyes are closed at birth and do not open till about the tenth day. When about four or five weeks old, the process of weaning may be commenced, by teaching the puppies to lap milk, an art which they soon acquire. This may be augmented with cereals, or bits of bread. Later puppy biscuits may be added and soon the diet includes everything given to the mother. The quantity of meat given to puppies, however, should always be restricted, until they are well grown, although they may have bones to gnaw on. When six or seven weeks old, they should be gradually removed from the mother.

Dogs are subject to few diseases, and when they do occur a veterinary should be consulted. In most instances, it is as useless for the amateur owner to attempt to treat a dog as it would be in the case of a child.

We cannot leave the subject, however, without some reference to rabies or hydrophobia, that dread and mysterious disease, to which dogs, in common with many other animals, are subject. Many persons have held that hydrophobia is an illusion, but its existence has been too well established to admit of further doubt. Hydrophobia in dogs appears in several forms, with varied S3mptoms. Sometimes the victim is extremely thirsty, while another will not touch water. The frothing mouth which to the popular mind is irrefutable evidence of rabies occurs also in epilepsy. Sudden changes in disposition, snappiness, manifestations of unfounded fear, in fact almost any unusual action, may be the first indication of the disease. A suspected subject should be isolated at once, v^'here it can

PETS 25

be kept under control and the developments of symptoms watched. Many dogs are killed as a result of epileptic fits being wrongly diagnosed as rabies. A few hours of rest and quiet usually are the only requisites for recovery in the majority of such cases. Once the presence of rabies has been established, however, the dog should be destroyed at once.

Dogs frequently suffer from internal and external parasites, both of which are easily removed. Fleas are the most frequent cause of annoyance. A bath in which one of the many brands of antiseptic soap is used will quickly get rid of them. It is of the greatest importance to keep the dog's living quarters clean, for fleas breed in the filth of kennels.

Worms are frequently present and are a fertile cause of trouble. A bulging abdomen and emaciated frame are indications of the presence of parasites, but their passage with the faeces is the most certain evidence. Efficient vermifuges are obtainable from all dealers and one or two doses usually can be relied upon to rid the system of the intruders.

Breeds

The attempt to enter fully into the points of the various modern breeds of dogs would be a task without the scope of this work. Moreover, literature on the subject is so rich that such description here is unnecessary. We may, however, briefly consider some of the types most suital^le for pets.

There are few dogs which lack some particular use or purpose in their relation to man, and are not capable of ably performing their functions. But, since here we are considering pets, we must eliminate all the superb array of breeds specialized for hunting, coursing, flock-tending, and even guarding. Such dogs as the various hounds, the

Boston Terrier (above) Airedale Terrier (below)

PETS 27

Great Danes, Mastiffs, Sheep-dogs and many others, while excellent in their own fields, may not properly be considered as suitable pets. It is among the smaller spaniels and terriers that we shall find house-dogs of dispositions and stature amenable to fondling, but often with courage to act efficiently in defense, if necessary.

Of the terriers proper, it is probable that the Fox Terrier is the best known, for it seems to be more widely distributed than any other small dog. Originally used in England for unearthing foxes, which had been driven to cover by the hounds, it still retains the courage and agility which are necessary for the work. The Fox Terrier is a hard}', active dog, small enough to be unobtrusive, but able under stress to give a very good account of itself.

The various rough-coated terriers of British origin are rapidly gaining in popularity on this side. The black-andtan Airedale is the largest, the similarly marked Welsh Terrier is the smallest, and the sandy-red Irish Terrier is between the two. All of these dogs are of pleasing, upstanding outline, with the clean-cut heads of the terriers. They are notable for their courage and tenacity.

The Scotch Terrier is longer-haired than the preceding, and also differs in type, being prick-eared and grotesquely short-legged. This rough-and-ready little dog has recently enjoyed a wave of well-deserved popularity. Typical specimens are usually black or blackish in color. The West Highland White Terrier is really a white Scotch.

The Skye and Yorkshire Terriers, which represent the extreme of the rough-coated type, are not now so popular as was once the case. This may perhaps be due, in a measure, to dispositions not too sweet, but the over-development of the coat, with the attendant troubles in grooming, probably played its share. The two breeds are commonly confused, for each is clothed in long, silky hair. The Skye

28 PETS

Terrier, however, is as large as a small Cocker Spaniel, and generally dark gray in color, while the Yorkshire is a tiny creature, grayish-blue with tan markings.

The Maltese Terrier is one of the oldest of dog breeds, and is believed to have been the favorite lap-dog of the ancient Romans and Greeks. It is well known as a small animal with long, silky hair, of the purest white, but perhaps because of the care its coat requires it is not over popular.

The Bull Terrier, too commonly known as a " bulldog," possesses such qualities as to endear it to the heart of any one who owns a responsive spark. No dog surpasses this magnificent animal in staunch courage and genuine unselfish affection. Ever ready to spring at the throat of the intruder, it is equally willing to submit itself to the maulings of children. It has one serious drawback, however, and that is its pugnacious instinct. Bred for years for the brutal purpose of pit fighting, the habit is almost impossible to eradicate. The old-fashioned dogs usually were brindle or pied, but the modern type is spotless white.

The Boston Terrier is the only breed, with the possible exception of the Chesapeake Bay Dog, which has been originated in America. A result of crosses between the English Bulldog and the White English Terrier, it retains all of the good qualities of each ancestor, and few of the undesirable ones. It has the even, afifectionate temper of the bulldog, without its awkwardness, and the active habits of the terrier, with but little of its pugnacity. Of comparatively recent origin, the Boston Terrier has made rapid strides from the chaotic state, and now breeds fairly true to type.

The English Bulldog, developed in the ancient sport of bull-baiting, has fallen on evil times. Now bred solely for exhibition purposes, this once hardy dog has become

PETS 29

monstrously exaggerated and weakened in stamina. These two facts are sufficient to account for its very evident decline in favor, for although repulsive in appearance, it is one of the most even-tempered and amiable of canines.

The French Bulldog is often confused with the Boston Terrier, in the development of which it undouljtedly was concerned. They are easily distinguished, however, as the French breed has the undershot jaw and wrinkled face of the English Bulldog, points abhorred in the Boston Terrier.

The English Toy Spaniels probably are diminutive derivatives of the larger and more vigorous sporting spaniels. They are essentially lap-dogs and as such have been cultivated for centuries, their round heads, large eyes, and long, wavy hair being particularly appealing. Toy Spaniels occur in several colors ; black-and-tan or King Charles; black, tan and white, tricolor or Prince Charles; ruby or red; and red and white or Blenheim.

The Japanese Spaniel is similar to the English, but differs in various minor points, particularly in the shorter ears. It is perhaps more active and intelligent than the English breeds, and seems to be more popular. Japanese Spaniels generallv are black and white in color.

The Pekinese is evidently closely related to the Japanese Spaniel, but is usually solid in color, the most common being biscuit or fawn. Just now, this is perhaps the most fashionable of toy dogs. It came originally from Pekin, where it seems to have been the particular pet of the imperial court.

The Pomeranian is the smallest of the wolf-type dogs and is evidently derived from that group. It is essentially a to}', and as such is very widely kqDt. The breed is hardier and more active than most small dogs of the spaniel type, but many specimens are characterized by a pronounced disagreeable odor.

Chapter II Cats

The position of the domestic cat is curiously anomalous. More universally the companion of man than any other creature, with the possible exception of the dog, it nevertheless remains consistently aloof and impatient of restraint. Amenable to caresses, even soliciting them, it still retains perfect independence, and tooth and claw are ever ready to resent the slightest infringement.

The origin of the domestic cat has been the source of much controversy. It seems most probable, however, that it is descended from one, or perhaps both, of two forms, which still exist in the v^^ild state — the Egyptian Wild Cat (Felis ocreata) and the European Wild Cat (F. syhestris) . These two creatures are practically indistinguishable from domestic cats. Both are light gray in general, with narrow, vertical bars of a darker shade on the sides of the body, and horizontal bars on the upper parts of the four legs. The tail is banded, and there are markings about the face. There are minor differences in the markings and the European Wild Cat is slightly larger, less distinctly striped and more heavily furred than the southern species, otherwise they are similar. This form of marking is duplicated in the narrow-striped form of the modern tabby and undoubtedly represents the primitive type.

As is well known, mummified cats are commonly found in the tombs of the aiicient Egyptians, and their taming at an early period is undoubted. It seems probable that these cats were introduced into Europe, where they interbred with the native form. The crossing of two species so similar

PETS 31

in appearance does not account for the divergence of color in domestic cats but this would follow naturally, as in most animals under the control of man. Long-haired or Persian cats, Manx, Siamese and other forms are simply variations of this old stock.

Commonly kept as a check to the increase of rats and mice, the cat has tolerated man and rendered service in return for protection. Because of the detached and inscrutable habit of the animal, comparatively few become " companions of the fireside." Far too many are kept in the verge of reversion to their natural wild condition. City and country alike abound with half-wild creatures which yield but partial or even no allegiance to man and secure their food by foraging. Much of this unfortunate condition is attributable to irresponsible owners, who desert cats with unfeeling carelessness, or so underfeed them that their hunger is a menace to all small edible creatures. Cats of this type are the most formidable enemies of the remnant of our wild bird life, and the constantly increasing pressure of conservationists certainly will soon bring legal relief from the scourge. No feeling person would cast a cat upon its own resources and no public-spirited citizen will allow it to maintain itself by further depleting our valuable birds.

Properly cared for, the cat becomes quite a different animal. Although commonly considered inferior in intelligence to the dog, it is rather an unlikeness in temperament, the two creatures forming perfect antitheses. But the very impenetrability of the cat is a charm which attracts many persons, and certainly gives it a dignity which few animals attain. Well fed and kept within reasonable bounds, the cat can render full return to its owner, without infringing on the rights of others.

32 PETS

Cats are essentially carnivorous and it is natural that much of their food should consist of meat, either raw or cooked. It is not necessary that this be of the finest quality, but neither should it be of the vile sort sold by butchers as " cat meat." Fish makes an acceptable variation. Many sorts of vegetables and cereals, such as potatoes, rice, oatmeal, etc., are relished by most cats, particularly if mixed with meat broth or milk. Bread and milk is a staple and few cats refuse it. Milk, of course, is the proverbial beverage, but cats should never be kept without water. Kittens should be fed chiefly on milk and cereals, the amount of meat in the diet being increased with advancing age.

The cat is an uncommonly clean animal and easily trained to make use of a box filled with some fine, dry material, which should be changed frecjuently. Sand is much the best for this purpose, as ashes and sawdust are easily blown and tracked about. If a sleeping-box in a comfortable corner is provided, the animal will quickly realize that this is its allotted place.

The practice of turning the cat out of doors at night is as cruel as it is unnecessary. No animal is fonder of warmth and comfort, and the pet's happiness certainly is not increased by a night spent in cold and dampness. If as much energy were exhausted in keeping the cat indoors as too commonly is expended in putting her out, how great would be the boon to human nerves and unfortunate wild things! All felines are normally nocturnal and it is at night, if ever, that a curb on their activities is needed.

The device of hanging a bell on the neck, and that of arranging a wire, on which slips a ring with pussy's cord attached, will keep her out of mischief, especially during the spring, when young birds are about.

The period of gestation in the cat is nine weeks. The kittens' eyes are closed at birth but open about the tenth

White Persian Cat

Siamese Cat

34 PETS

day. At this period, bright Hght is dangerous and may result in blindness. Unless the kittens are of a valuable breed, or future homes have been arranged for them, all but one or two should be destroyed at birth. When four or five weeks old, the kittens will begin to seek their share of their mother's meals and soon will be quite independent.

Cats are sometimes troubled with fleas, but these are easily removed by sprinkling the fur thoroughly with pyrethrum or Persian insect powder, obtainable from any drugstore.

Breeds

In spite of the great numbers of cats, very little has been done in the way of developing breeds, as compared with other domestic animals. The well-known promiscuity of the creature, coupled with the time-honored custom of giving the pet its liberty at night, doubtless accounts for this lack. It is only during the last half-century or so that distinct breeds have appeared.

The types of cats fall naturally into two chief groups : the short-haired and the long-haired or Persian. The former, of course, is simply the common cat, somewhat glorified by selective breeding. The body is rather short, strong and well filled out. The head is broad and round, with short, deep muzzle. The legs are of medium length and well muscled, while the tail must be tapering but not thin. The coat is short, soft and glossy.

The Persian or Angora Cat appears really to have originated in Persia, contrary to the usual rule of geographic names among domestic animals. There is no reason to suppose, however, that it originated in any other way than as a mutation or " sport " from the common short-haired variety, as in the Angora rabbit and Peruvian cavy.

Persian cats average larger than short-haired ones, and

PETS 35

the difference is enhanced by the great length of hair. This is soft, dense and very profuse all over the body, including a brush to rival that of the fox. The head is broad and short. The shoulders and back are well developed and the legs of moderate length.