DOMESTIC PIGEONS 237 



one individual, when the other is very likely to seek diver- 

 sion elsewhere. 



Pigeons which have been separated, as to sex are ready 

 for breeding at almost any time after the autumn molt has 

 been completed. The time for pairing varies according to 

 climate and the warmth of the loft. Many breeders start 

 their birds in January, but it is better, in most cases, to 

 wait until well along in February. The weather is then 

 likely to be milder, and by the time squabs are about the 

 days are longer, giving the parents a more extended feeding 

 period. 



When it has been decided to start the birds, the pairs, 

 which of course have been carefully selected beforehand, 

 should be placed in the nesting compartments which it is 

 desired they shall occupy. Having been supplied with food 

 and water, they may be left for three or four days — longer, 

 if necessary — until they are seen to be mated properly. If 

 in good breeding condition, almost any cock and hen will 

 accept each other at once, but they may not safely be liber- 

 ated in the loft for several days. Very rarely individuals 

 are found which do not take kindly to the mates selected 

 for them, but such prejudices will invariably succumb in 

 time. Some cocks are inclined to be savage and very hard 

 drivers, and such birds must be watched lest they injure the 

 hen when first introduced. It is best to start all of the birds 

 at one time, as there will be less fighting in the loft, and the 

 young birds will be hatched together. 



When all of the pairs are believed to be safely mated they 

 may be let out of the pens. There will be a great deal of 

 quarreling at first, but this will soon give way to the work of 

 nest-building, each pair keeping its own quarters. Aggres- 

 sive cocks may be curbed, and timid ones assisted, by various 

 arrangements of barriers, which will suggest themselves 

 to the owner. 



