PIGEONS FOR MARKET. 



129 



of the head of the open end left in, to keep the eggs 

 and squabs from tumbling out. 



The irregularity in shape and arrangement of 

 nests may shock the fastidious, but will avoid conten- 

 tion and confusion among the birds, which frequently 

 results in the loss of eggs and squabs. 



For raising squabs for market common 

 pigeons are better than any of the fancy 

 breeds. A cross of these with Antwerps 

 produces a meaty squab. A little blood 

 of the large Runt pigeon mingled in a 

 POUTER, flock of common birds increases the size 

 of the squabs. Pure white birds are desirable because 

 there are no dark pinfeathers to color and deface the 

 carcass when dressed. White birds, too, are always 

 in demand at a good price for decorative purposes. 



It is desirable to have breeders that raise squabs 

 with light skin for they always bring the top price. 

 The color of the skin is not controlled, as is popularh^ 

 supposed, by the color of the feathers. Parents with 

 white plumage may have dark squabs, and those as 

 black as crows may produce squabs with fair skin. 



A good plan to stock a loft is to buy enough mated 

 birds to fill it one-fourth full, and raise enough from 

 these to make up the complement, selecting the young 

 from the parents that prove to be prolific, 

 and raise the largest and whitest squabs. 

 As mated birds are not always obtain- 

 able the next best plan is to buy squabs 

 just able to fly. A good time to buy is 

 in June, July and August, when squabs jacobin. 

 are low in price. These birds will pass their moult 



