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GOING FOR A WALK IN A CAGE? 10 FACTS ABOUT BIRD KEEPING IN CHINA

Picture source:froginawell.net

1.The hobby of bird keeping has been a famous tradition in China since the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911).

2.It was initiated by the elite Manchu banner men – the nobles of the Qing dynasty – and the eunuchs in the royal court. They didn’t need to work thanks to sufficient monthly subsidies and a hereditary system that guaranteed  the succession of their father’s title and land. Therefore keeping birds was a way of passing the time.

Picture source:hiveminer.com

3.The hobby is called 提笼架鸟 Tí long  ( carrying  the bird cages)  jià niǎo (keeping birds on perches) and it is often used to criticize idle men.

4. There are 2 main criteria for good song birds: beautiful appearance and the pleasing birdsong.

Picture source"preloved.co.uk; mynah bird

5.The most popular songbirds are mynahs, thrushes,  larks and huamei. Huamei bird sings beautifully and is known for its light-colored hair above its eyes that look like eyebrows. The lark bird , apart from its own melodious notes, is said to be able to imitate 13 kinds of birds, as well as other animals like cats.

Picture source:YouTube; huamei
Picture source:allaboutbirds.org; thrush
Picture source:Wikipedia; lark

6. Songbirds are kept in handmade bamboo cages with a hanger built into the top. Many of them  are very well-trained - its not uncommon to hear a mynah belting out the entire Chinese National Anthem, or a bird hung in the doorway of a shop welcoming passersby to come in for a look ( sometimes one bird can speak a few Chinese dialects!)

Picture source:flyicarusfly.com

7. Bird lovers believe that birds should not be cooped up indoors. If the owners won't take their caged companions out for a stroll, the birds will become lonely and depressed, which will reduce their will to sing. Taking a bird for a walk is the best way to keep it healthy and vigorous.

Picture source: China Daily

8. While walking their birds, a bird's owner will swing the cage back and forth like a pendulum, forcing the bird to get a bit of exercise as it clings to its perch.

Picture source:localecologist.org

9. Once in the park, the birdcages are hung near each other on low hanging tree branches, giving the birds a chance to socialize while their owners do the same. They can compare the birds and exchange care tips.

Picture source: audubon.org

10.  Prices for the songbirds vary greatly. For instance, a normal thrush or lark costs around 100 yuan , but birds with better throats can cost more than 500 yuan, or even thousands.

Picture source:Toronto Star
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