246 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



PIGEONS 



Squab raising on a large scale is a prosperous times business. 

 As a side line on the farm i)igeons are often profitable. The 

 foundation stock should be good squab Homers. These will 

 raise eight joairs of squabs per year under good conditions. Two 

 nests for each pair will be necessary. Unmated birds should 

 not be kept as they cause trouble. Where birds are confined, 

 cracked corn should be accessible in hoiDpers. A mixture of red 

 wheat, Canada field peas, Kaffir corn, hulled oats and hemp seed 

 is fed twice a day on the floor. Culled peanuts are also some- 

 times used. Have dry, clean quarters. Have a box of tobacco 

 stems accessible for nests and to keep down lice. 



