24 THE PRACTICAL PIGEON KEEPER. 



CHAPTER III. 



BREEDING AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 



As a basis for all successful management of pigeons, it must be 

 remembered that they are pairing birds, and, as a rule, main- 

 tain a union once formed with considerable fidelity. They can 

 be parted and re-mated; but it is difficult to do this if the 

 older partner be within sight or sound. Hence it is very 

 necessary to see that the birds are really pairs (of cocks and 

 hens), and then not to disturb them during the breeding season 

 if it can be possibly helped ; and in case a bird dies another 

 mate should be supplied, if possible. An odd hen will do little 

 mischief ; but an odd or unmated cock will very often upset a 

 whole loft, and cause the loss of many eggs or young ones by 

 his quarrelsomeness. Such a bird should be provided with 

 some mate, therefore, even if a proper one cannot be found for 

 him. 



This makes it rather important to be able to distinguish 

 between cocks and hens ; but for this purpose no infallible rule 

 can be given. The sexes are naturally veiy much alike ; but, 

 in addition to this, all fanciers have for generations endeavoured 

 to breed the hens as much like cocks as possible. As a rule, 

 cocks are more thick and massive about the head and beak, 

 thicker in the neck, and stouter built in all respects ; but, as 

 these terms are comparative, a fully developed and vigorous 

 hen may easily surpass a naturally smaller cock. Again : as a 

 rule, the cock's breast-bone is rather larger, and the two bones 

 near the vent are in the hen set wider apart ; but these signs 

 also may fail, owing to the general make of the bird. The 

 voice of the cock, again, is most powerful. Upon the whole, 

 however, the most trustworthy test is to observe the behaviour 

 of an unknown bird with one or another whose sex is known, 

 when the peculiar and appropriate gestures will in almost all 



