POULTRY 231 



PIGEONS 



While pigeons are not usually mentioned when speaking of 

 various kinds of profitable farm stock, still the possibilities 

 of making them profitable are so marked that we believe we 

 are warranted in a brief discussion of them. 



There are numerous varieties of pigeons bred by fanciers 

 but experienced breeders who rear them and sell them as 

 squabs recommend only two varieties, the Homers and the 

 Runts. These two breeds are usually crossed with the idea 

 that the cross produces a finer quality of dressed product. 

 The squabs are usually marketed when they weigh from J^ to 

 J^ pound each. At these weights the producers realize from 

 $3.50 to $10 per dozen for them. 



Pigeons should be housed away from other stock. A loft 

 or upstairs room, free from drafts and comfortably warm, makes 

 an excellent coop for them. The interior equipment should 

 consist of nests, perches, drinking and bathing fountains. 

 About 2 square feet of floor space should be allowed for each 

 adult bird. If the birds are to be confined in flight yards 

 then twice as much ground space should be allotted each bird 

 in the yards. 



The manner of feeding pigeons is not unlike that of other 

 classes of fowls. A variety of grains is usually fed. Cracked 

 corn, wheat, oats, millet and buckwheat and other small seeds 

 are used. A small supply of salt and grit should be kept be- 

 fore them at all times. As the squabs are fed by the old birds 

 it is essential that the parents be well fed. The floor of the 

 coop should be well covered with clean dry sand. This makes 

 an excellent place for scattering the food. 



