16 FANCY PIGEONS. 



their sitting parent, by fixing a temporary division between 

 the doorways. 



No one, however, will continue to keep pigeons in wall 

 lockers if he can by any means avoid it, and some vacant 

 building, shed, or loft, will be appropriated for the purpose. 

 Such a place a fancier ought, with the assistance of a few 

 carpenter's tools, to be able to fit up himself. Cat and rat- 

 proof he nmst have it, and mouse-proof also, if possible; for, 

 while the former will destroy the birds themselves, the latter 

 spoils their food. 



Open-air Flights. 



The great majority of fancy pigeons may be allowed their 

 liberty in the open air with safety to their lives and positive 

 advantage to their health ; but choice pouters, carriers, short- 

 faced tumblers, jacobins, or fantails, are not so able to take 

 care of themselves. Still, it is surprising how wary even 

 such varieties as these become, if flown when young. In 

 granting them their liberty, however, which must only be 

 occasional, according to the weather, the owner must be 

 entirely guided by circumstances, such as the surroundings 

 of his place and the special character of each bird. There 

 must always be a certain amount of risk encountered, and it 

 is for the owner to consider whether the advantages to be 

 gained will outweigh it. Choice pigeons no doubt live a long 

 time in close confinement when treated with reasonable and 

 ordinary care, for many fanciers have no other means of keep- 

 ing them. If occasional entire liberty cannot be given them, 

 an open-air flight, inclosed by wire netting, will be of great 

 advantage. This should always be roofed in, and only open to 

 the less exposed aspects. The larger it can be made the 

 better; but even a very small open-air flight will materially 

 assist in keeping the birds in good health. When pigeons 

 are kept in a room or loft with no outside liberty, an open- 

 ing, covered with wire netting, for the admittance of light 



