260 



OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



wall, one above another, about 12 or 14 inches apart. The 

 pigeons rest on the upper edge of the perch, and the sloping 

 sides prevent their plumage from being soiled by birds roosting 

 above them. In the outdoor flies running boards are placed 

 along the sides to make exercising and resting places for the 

 birds, for they usually prefer a shelf of this kind to the ground. 

 Long perches are also placed in the fly when the running boards 



FIG. 211. Running boards in pigeon fly. (Photograph from Springer 

 Brothers, Bridgeton, New Jersey) 



do not give room for all the pigeons in the flock. Out of doors 

 the birds get along very well on long perches, but in the house 

 each wants a separate perch. Feed hoppers like those used for 

 fowls are used in pigeon houses. Drinking vessels for pigeons 

 should be of the fountain type, exposing only a small surface of 

 water, because if the vessel is open the birds will bathe in it. 

 For the bath any circular vessel with a depth of 4 or 5 inches 

 and a diameter of 1 8 inches or over may be used. 



